gotta move, move, move

[Darling Deedee]

Hey.

I've been a bit depressed lately but saw my pdoc and after a long battle (well, just 6 years) of gaining weight on Zyprexa, he's switching me to Abilify. Does anyone out there have any experience with Abilify? He told me its a good drug that doesn't have the same risk of weight gain, diabetes and cholesterol stuff. I've taken my first dose and even though the pharmacist told me it would take a few doses to see if I would have any side effects, I'm restless like I've never been in my life before... I feel like I gotta move, move, move. Not in a manic way, just in a gotta move, move, move way. lol. Sorry, I hope that makes sense.

Anyone out there know what I mean?

-Deedee

 

[pinkputter]

Any of these side effects you definitely need to report to your pdoc. He would want to hear what you are experiencing. I just recently stopped taking Zyprexa after I have annoyed my pdoc enough about my significant weight gain. He's also eventually taking me off Depakote which also causes weight gain. (can they just make medicine that helps you all around?) My experience with Abilify wasn't a good one, but it's definitely situational. Everyone will have different side effects. Unfortunately Abilify wasn't good for me because my bp is very sensitive, and it sky-rocketed after taking it. I am now on medication to control my bp. Another reason I am hesitant to ever take Abilify is because a different pdoc who I was going to at the time prescribed me Abilify and a sleep aid which is FATAL if you mix the two. I didn't know this at the time, but shouldn't have had to research for myself as this is my dr's job to prescribe me medicine to HELP me live, not HINDER. So needless to say I stopped going to him, could have probably sued him I was so livid but didn't bother. I would be careful. As long as you monitor your bp and are aware of other side affects you should be alright. As for the move, move jitters, I would say that it should pass. But I am no dr, last time I checked so definitely let him know what's going on.

 

[SinkingShip]

I'm on Abilify (5mg daily). My depressive episodes present with psychosis, so the Abilify has really helped with both the depression and the psychosis (fewer delusions, yay). Restlessness is a common side effect, from my understanding, but is one that should decrease over time. Keep your dr informed, and keep on the med unless the dr indicates otherwise. Abilify is a very good anti-psychotic from what I've heard and definitely helps some with depression as well.

 

[EddiesEpics]

Abilify was working for me, too, but I had to come off of it because even with another med to try to overcome the side-effect, I COULD NEVER SIT STILL. Seriously, I'd just pace around the house. Very annoying, since it worked, but unless you're running the Boston Marathon you've got to be able to sit still every now and then.

 

[Darling Deedee]

Hey guys.

Thanks for your input. Its helpful to know that I'm not alone. I find the restlessness is worst for about four or five hours after I take it. Its frustrating 'cause I'm still taking Zyprexa (will be coming off it in a week and a half) and the combination of the two is... interesting. I need to move, move, move but I'm stoned and stumbling while I'm doing it. Ugh.

I've also noticed some weakness in my legs... anyone know anything about that?

I see my pdoc in a week and a bit. Will bring him up to date.

Thanks,
-Deedee

 

[honeyny22]

I hated ablify, I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin and I am already anixious, it was just a horrible feeling. I didn't stay on it long.