does anyone know about the meds abilify and lamactial?

Question

they were prescribed for borderline personality disorder. i've looked them up in med guides but want info from other sources.

Answer 1

Lamictal is a mood stabilizer, also for seizures. It's pretty light.

Abilify is a newer antipsychotic medication. I haven't seen many of my clients have bad effects.

As you know, these can only help alleve some of the symptoms of bpd- the person in question will need proper therapy to help the person and their relationships, such as DBT.





---Why a thumbs down?

Answer 2

Well, BPD can include depressive symptoms, also symptoms of agitation, anger and emotional lability.

Lamictal is a mood stabilizer used for treatment in bipolar depression, it is not effective in treating mania. It is, however, used to treat across the spectrum of depressive symptoms if SSRI's or other antidepressants are ineffective.

Abilify is an antipsychotic used for treating bipolar mania, agitation and psychosis or psychotic features.

Also, many Bipolars develop an Axis II (personality disorders) diagnosis in response to an inability to cope with the disease. (Usually when it goes untreated with limited support and coping ability.) This is called a comorbid disorder. Commonly as a profile these medications are used together to treat bipolar disorder although most modalities (methods) in treating mental illness means trying a spectrum of medications to treat symptoms. It may be that the prescribing physician feels these medications may work best for the individual, despite the diagnosis.

Hope this helps!

Addendum(!): If you are prescribed these medications you should note especially this:

Lamictal: this requires a slow taper, do not double up on a dose if missed; if you develop a rash stop the med immediately and call your doctor. It is a good medication in my opinion and effective in treating depression, worth a try. Every medication has conditions for use, as long as you use it as directed it is safe and effective.

Abilify: there can be side effects with this medication that include muscle rigidness or abrupt muscle movements in the face and jaw (this rings true for most antipsychotics, although this newer one is less likely to cause side effects). I've found that taking Benedryl or Cogentin concurrently will minimize this possiblility. With your doctor's approval a dose of Benedryl at bedtime (maybe 25 mg's) could work best for you. Of course, consult your physician first.

Answer 3

I took Abilify for bipolar & to help me sleep.
Now for me was a waist of money.

Answer 4

I've taken ABILIFY for about 4 months ...I don't hear the voices any more.

Answer 5

yeah i do. e-mail me with ur specific question about them.