my shrink already has me taking limictal and lonazepam relating to my bi-polar* diagnosis. recently, he gave me a lot of samples of abilility for what i can not recall (drugs). i have resisted taking it. not following orders and he is a tad annoyed. thinks i am a little paranoid, too. anybody have pros or cons about this stuff? i already take a lot of drugs, primarily for diabetes and followup four-way bypass. my time is short enough for someone 64 years old. my shrink, just like the last one, and the psychologist he works with, remind me a bit of nurse ratchett and staff. doctor knows best?
2006-11-24 01:30:43 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Doctors do not always know best. Educate yourself and do not hesitate to be a partner with your doctor in your treatment. If you are uncomfortable with a proposed treatment, let the him/her know. Any questions or concerns that you have should be addressed and taken seriously.
Abilify is an anti-psychotic that has some antidepressant effects as well. "Anti-psychotic" sounds a lot worse than it is...they can help stabilize moods, slow down racing thoughts, help with sleep, etc.
I'm bipolar and was on Abilify for a short time. It wasn't for me...it made me unbearably restless. But I have a friend that does exceptionally well on it.
2006-11-24 13:26:30 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the action of the chemicals in the brain. It is used to treat sypmtoms of schizophrenia and bipolar mania.
The side effects of this medication are listed as swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, or face, or hives, difficulty swallowing, frequent urination, increased thirst or hunger, seizures, headache, blurred vision, tremor or weakness, dizziness or drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, difficulty sleeping, and weight gain.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) has also been reported when using this drug.
The Limictal that you are already taking has basically the same side effects and the Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety medication of which the most common side effects is sedation.
I feel that you are right, at your age, to make the gut decision on wether you need more medication or not. My step-sister is bipolar also. I know she needs her medications to function somewhat normally. As long as you are taking your other medications and you don't feel that you need additional, I say go with your gut instinct! Good Luck!
2006-11-24 09:58:10 · answer #2 · answered by d.a.f.f.y. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you know best. I took the Abilify. My muscles were jumping, my eye lids swelled, and I could not see the computer. Seek another doc if necessary. The Abilify is an antipsychotic originally made for schizophrenia.
2006-11-24 09:56:50 · answer #3 · answered by catzrme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://health.yahoo.com/drug/d04825a1
Here is some info. Looks like hyperglycemia is a possible side effect.
2006-11-24 09:40:03 · answer #4 · answered by dragonkisses 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋