taking Abilify?

Question

My boyfriend is about to put on abilify ..........does anyone know anything about this MEDICINE....and if so how long will it take to start seeing changes in his behaviors????

Answer 1

Here is the clinical file on Abilify:

ARIPIPRAZOLE - ORAL

(ay-ree-PIP-ray-zole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Abilify

WARNING: There may be a slightly increased risk of serious,
possibly fatal side effects (e.g., heart failure, pneumonia,
stroke) when this medication is used in elderly patients with
dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as
well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for
dementia-related behavior problems, with your doctor.

USES: Aripiprazole is used to treat certain mental/mood
disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). Aripiprazole
is known as an antipsychotic drug (atypical type). It works by
helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in
the brain (neurotransmitters).
This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve your
concentration. It helps you to think more clearly and positively
about yourself, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in
everyday life. Aripiprazole can treat severe mood swings and
prevent or decrease how often mood swings occur.

Answer 2

Abilify has had excellent results for me. I've gotten my life back, and people around me notice the positive changes.

Haldol - the old standby, only addressed a portion of my symptoms - and had the potential of serious side-effects.
I tried numerous other drugs, but either the side-effects were too harsh or the drug did not work for me.
After a number of years of trying different medications, Abilify was introduced onto the market. I am so glad. I have no side effects and it works more completely for me than any other.

Due to the cost of the Abilify, (cash cost of $400+ per mo.) not all insurance companies cover this drug.

How long until a person would begin to see changes? I'm not sure what the paperwork says, but I would give it 2 or 3 weeks to consider whether it is working well for you.

However, don't take my word for it. Take this medication only in the way the Dr. prescribes it - including when and how you would stop the medication - in order to have the least unpleasant effects.

Answer 3

Abilify is a very effective mood stabilizer. A lot of people notice an improvement in less than a week; others may take 2 to 3 weeks.

Of all of the mood stabilizers on the market, in my opinion it works the best with the fewest side effects. I do not write prescriptions but I do have a lot of clients who take it.

He will need to continue his follow-up med checks; most MD's start on a low dose and adjust upward as needed.

Answer 4

in spite of the shown fact that I even have not ever used lamictal in my drugs, I even have used Abilify and Klonopin. The Abilify did not reason me any abdomen disillusioned and that i tolerated it o.k., on an finished or empty abdomen. I too grew to become into very reluctant to even attempt it, for I even have tried quite some different drugs in this type and with depressing area outcomes. So i grew to become into incorrect with Abilify and it incredibly helped. although the Klonopin mandatory to be involved by some nutrition or milk in the different case I grew to grow to be very nauseaous and queasy. I took it in small, very small doses and then labored as much as love a million to 2mg optimum.

Answer 5

While everybody is different,Ii was on Abilify and experienced a rather nasty and common side effect for Abilify. Akathisia, which is basically an inability to sit still. It iss very uncomfortable and drove me to near insanity. I hve been on this medication under two different circumstances, first time was ok, second time not so much so. Make sure he listens to his doc, any med needs to be monitored by a doc. good luck.

Answer 6

Normally Abilify is started with 30mg for one week then increased to 60mg after that. It usually takes 3-4 weeks to see full effects. It is a fairly new antidepressant drug. It has fewer side effects than most. He should not stop taking it suddenly, but be tapered off like when he is put on it if he decides to stop taking it.

Answer 7

I know that my nephew is on it. He is mildly autistic. I believe, with experience, that most meds like this seem to begin working a little in a few hours but, it may take weeks before the full effects.