please tell me your honest opinion as to whether or not Abilify really has a side effect of gaining weight or not. Because I'm only taking 2.5 miligrams of this stuff 2 times a day and it's caused me to eat more than I normally do. Please no harsh answers.
2007-02-12 12:32:17 · 7 answers · asked by killerwhalesrule19 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Well....where do I start...I am on Abilify...I am taking 30mg a day...but I have put on weight because I eat too much....and drink too many fizzy drinks....its not the medication at all....I even went to a Dietician and we discovered its just me eating...not the medication....And besides 2.5 milligrams wouldn't do anything at all....It may give you food cravings perhaps....but not weight gain with the very miniscule amount you are taking...trust me I know I'm on 30mg like I said...but go to see a Dietician anyway to check and see...what is causing this weight gain.OK..Good Luck.
2007-02-13 00:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abilify is an antipsychotic that was first developed to treat schizophrenia, but in November 2009, the FDA approved Abilify to be used by children ages 6 to 17 with Asperger Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders. Studies have shown that it is also effective in treating irritability in adults, and there are many on the spectrum who take the drug.
Abilify was approved for treating depression in adults in November 2007, which not only means that it can be prescribed to anyone on the spectrum who may see benefit from it, but depression is also another common effect of any Autism Spectrum Disorder. Abilify has the unique ability to help reduce irritability and meltdown severity while also helping to treat one of the most common co-morbid disorders that accompany Asperger Syndrome.
Abilify works by blocking receptors in the brain's dopamine pathways, which reduces the overall levels of dopamine in the brain. It is theorized that many mental disorders like schizophrenia and autism may be due to high levels of dopamine.
The medication's most common side effects for both children and adults are weight gain and increased appetite. Adults may also feel restless or anxious, or develop diabetes. Children, on the other hand, may feel lethargic. There are some more worrisome and even potentially permanent or fatal side effects, however, and a psychiatrist should always work to ensure that the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as well as monitor the patient for side effects.
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Abilify is most often taken as a pill, though it can also be injected. Finding the right dosage is a trial-and-error process. Psychiatrists will often under-prescribe patients at first, and then bump them up only if need be. It can take the body some time to adjust to the medication and respond. That's why it is important to not stop taking it, despite feeling better or like it's no longer necessary.
Treating depression and decreasing irritability and meltdown severity have been two major challenges of treating Asperger Syndrome. That's why Abilify has been a great boon to the autism community.
2014-05-05 10:26:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is extremely rare for an antidepressant to cause motor control or seizures so please don't worry about that. Wellbutrin is one of the few antidepressants that don't cause weight gain as a matter of fact it can do the opposite. I think that with your new Abilify you don't have to worry about the side effect of it causing weight gain because of the Wellbutrin. I believe you doctor is right and you don't have anything to worry about. If you do notice a great increase in your appetite and weight gain which probably won't happen you have the option of discussing with your doctor about trying another antidepressant. I hope that the new combination will help you!
2016-05-24 03:08:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not with my son, the weight gain came before the abilify and stabilized while on it. Are you taking anything else?
That's just our experience, of course, every body is built differently.
2007-02-12 13:41:01 · answer #4 · answered by laurie888 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not noted as a side effect to cause weight gain, and normal daily doses are 15-30mg daily so i don't think so.
2007-02-19 02:12:05 · answer #5 · answered by accebs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yup. one of more prevalent side effects
2007-02-12 12:39:36 · answer #6 · answered by keugene 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depends what you are taking it for
2007-02-18 00:13:27 · answer #7 · answered by soburrr12 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋