Bipolar Disorder Support Group

I am taking 15 mg currently. I have mixed states and frequent roller coaster moods. But mainly I have stayed in depression the last few months. So, the doctor is changing my med regimen. We added the Abilify (that's what its called here in the States) about two weeks ago. Let me tell you the difference. Since the Abilify is a dopamine stabilizer instead of blocking it completely, I have some great days. I am not depressed and I am not manic. I did go through a period of sleep deprivation, but that finally let up. I think I was a hypomanic when the doctor gave it to me becuase I was already experiencing extreme irritability, not sleeping, racing thoughts, etc. But overall, I think this is the best med I have been on so far in the last year. I feel more like my old outgoing self. I hope you have great results with it.

Hugs

I took 2mg a day, and in less than a week it revved up my brain into total manic dementia (can't think, can't remember, can't focus, etc.), so I stopped. I later took it together with Seroquel, but I only took 0.5mg a day, and still, after about a month, it speed up my brain into disability again, only not as bad as the first time.

I took it cause it worked like a really good anti-depressant for me, and it countered the fatigue from Seroquel, but it made me unable to work, so it's not for me.

i just started abilify yesterday, and was instructed to take it in the morning. i am curently having trouble sleeping, but i'm thinking that has to do with my hypo phase. how long before abilify starts working?

i am currently on 5 mg.

Thanks guys. It seems that there are loads of side effects to most meds.

numbtomyself - i've now been taking abilify for nearly a week and i'm finding it really hard to get any sleep as well! So you're not on your own. I've also gone rather high too.

I can't sleep either. It's kind of annoying, but it's better than the panic/hair loss I was having with depakote.

I have to take my Abilify in the morning or it will keep me awake at night. No side effects unless med is increased to anything over 15 mgs per day. Then I shake and have to be given cogentin to stop the shakes.