Abilify (Aripiprazole)

My doctor prescribed Abilify (Aripiprazole) after evaluating me. I was wondering if anyone had been put on them or if anyone knows ne one who was. some of the side effects scare me. Like Akathisia, check this out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akathisia

That scares me quite a bit. I understand that stuff about how they have to list it and all. What is really funny is on the abilify website it says that NO ONE knows for sure how aripiprazole works, only that they think it has something to do with receptors n shit. WTF, a company can sell a medicine with not knowing how it works...WTF! Am i the only one confused by this. How can a company create something, not know how it works, and sell it approved by the FDA!?

www.abilify.com

I have stopped smokin greenz till this shit subsides and my life no longer requires fuckin pills.

I was on Abilify for a while, it acts as a seratonin regulator, not just increasing or decreasing it, but keeping the levels constant. A lot of pharmaceutical companies don't know how medications whork, but if they do, then they work. And that's enough for them. Why are you on Abilify?

Akathisia is not too common with Abilify, more common with heavier anti-psychotics. Wikipedia is not the most relaible source of info, but essentially it's that feeling that you want to get up and do stuff.

It helps with disorganized schizophrenics, as their symptoms usually indicate extreme apathy, lack of motivation, ect. Abilify made me motivated, and helped me concentrate better, so I am happy for that. I did get minor akathisia, but when it was getting annoying, I either lowered my dose gradually, or smoked a bowl. The latter helped better.

I suffer from combat related PTSD and was switched to Abilify from Risperidone back in September. Initially I liked the Abilify. For once, when I dieted, I actually lost weight! (40 lbs. since October) but the restlessness and suicidal thoughts were too much and out weighed the other benefits I was getting.

2 days ago I saw my Pshrink and he immeadiatly stopped the Abilify and started me on Geodon. Jury is still out on the Geodon as it has only been a few days. But I already feel less restless.

BTW - My Pshrink is an advocate for Medical Marijuana use. He tells me to continue to use it to manage side effects, regain libido and to control the anxiety etc. I just wish I was in an MM state!

a friend of mine takes abilify and i take geodon and lithium..were both bipolar..i was under the impression abilify is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer in one? can someone clear this up?

...as for that restless thing...i get it when im standing..where i have to shift weight back and forth sometimes but its kinda involuntary, i can stop easily...its very mild and its not overwhelming..i imagine the worst part of that if it was full blown would be trying to go to sleep..having insomnia because youre constantly shifting in bed or have thoughts about wanting to get up and do things constantly keeping you from sleeping..if you need shit try different stuff until you get something with less sideeffects if you notice unbearable ones.

I have taken Geodon,Seroquel,and Risperdone, all for bi-polar disorder. Geodon made me tired, even after taking it for a while, like constantly tired. Seroquel was pretty chill, but made me gain weight, so I took it on and off for about 7 months. Risperdone I stopped taking after a few weeks because it caused my body to twitch uncontrolably and caused trails in my vision. Now that I read what that akasthia thing is or w/e I think I may have developed that.

I'm on abilify and remeron right now, and I have no problems except when I smoke pot. I start shaking really bad, my heart starts pounding, and I almost pass out. I thought maybe I just scored some really weird stuff, but it happens again and again when I get really high and I never noticed this effect before. It scares the shit out of me.
Does anyone else have weird reactions to marijuana because of their meds?

That was what happened to me. I am now off meds and can control my mood better with just meditation and focus. Greens help me out too.:rastasmoke: :rastasmoke:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by patquinnchin

I'm on abilify and remeron right now, and I have no problems except when I smoke pot. I start shaking really bad, my heart starts pounding, and I almost pass out. I thought maybe I just scored some really weird stuff, but it happens again and again when I get really high and I never noticed this effect before. It scares the shit out of me.
Does anyone else have weird reactions to marijuana because of their meds?

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Noticed this too. I am on it and now have been for about 2 weeks. I have to say it really helps my thoughts and keeps my brain from racing. It makes me not want to smoke weed almost. When I smoke now my heart goes beating crazy and I pass out later. It really sucks. But can I just say how wonderful this pill is. I feel so normal. I don't get angry or depressed. I don't get overly excited or agitated easily. I can focus so much easier without caffiene or meth. I have a lot less anxiety too. I don't care so much about my paranoid thoughts. Fewer delusions/hallucinations. But A LOT of side effects on my body, and I feel unmotivated and like dying. My heart rate is pretty bad right now.