Comments on: Abilify and Bipolar Disorder: Reader Question http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/reader-question-abilify-and-bipolar-disorder-2/ by Julie A. Fast Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:13:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Jaime Guvench http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/reader-question-abilify-and-bipolar-disorder-2/comment-page-1/#comment-2302 Jaime Guvench Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:21:08 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/2008/06/02/reader-question-abilify-and-bipolar-disorder-2/#comment-2302 I take abilify and it seems to be the best one ive ever taken, i dont put on weight...I don't feel like a zombie and i seem to be stable, For me its great. I take abilify and it seems to be the best one ive ever taken, i dont put on weight…I don’t feel like a zombie and i seem to be stable, For me its great.

]]> By: Suzanne http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/reader-question-abilify-and-bipolar-disorder-2/comment-page-1/#comment-78 Suzanne Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:18:31 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/2008/06/02/reader-question-abilify-and-bipolar-disorder-2/#comment-78 I have been on Abilify & Lamictal, as well as other meds, for bipolar 1 & acute anxiety for about 8 years. I think I started on Abilify when it first came out (had kidney malfunction on lithium, extreme sleepiness & dizziness on Geodon, Depakote helped with agitation but not the depression when I was in a mixed episode). The Abilify really helped as I did have delusional thinking & paranoia, but I unfortunately gained 50 lbs. on it. Many other people in my support group have gained weight on Abilify, even though it is supposed to be "weight neutral." I don't think they designate it as that anymore, not sure. Consequently, I now have high blood pressure, high cholesterol & insulin resistance for which I have to take meds (not for the insulin resistance). My self-esteem (never much of a strong point) has hit an all time low so my doc has lowered my dosage of Abilify considerably & added Topamax (which is supposed to promote weight loss). I did lose 10 lbs. in the 1st month, but my mood has been unstable & some of the paranoia has returned so my Abilify dosage has been increased, though not to the previous level. I am trying numerous "self help" things like WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), individual therapy & reading your books to get insight, motivation, encouragement, hope & specific "tools" to employ in my daily life. I am convinced that the medication helps tremendously, but there are many ways that I can improve my quality of life as well. I have been on Abilify & Lamictal, as well as other meds, for bipolar 1 & acute anxiety for about 8 years. I think I started on Abilify when it first came out (had kidney malfunction on lithium, extreme sleepiness & dizziness on Geodon, Depakote helped with agitation but not the depression when I was in a mixed episode). The Abilify really helped as I did have delusional thinking & paranoia, but I unfortunately gained 50 lbs. on it.

Many other people in my support group have gained weight on Abilify, even though it is supposed to be “weight neutral.” I don’t think they designate it as that anymore, not sure. Consequently, I now have high blood pressure, high cholesterol & insulin resistance for which I have to take meds (not for the insulin resistance). My self-esteem (never much of a strong point) has hit an all time low so my doc has lowered my dosage of Abilify considerably & added Topamax (which is supposed to promote weight loss). I did lose 10 lbs. in the 1st month, but my mood has been unstable & some of the paranoia has returned so my Abilify dosage has been increased, though not to the previous level.

I am trying numerous “self help” things like WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), individual therapy & reading your books to get insight, motivation, encouragement, hope & specific “tools” to employ in my daily life.

I am convinced that the medication helps tremendously, but there are many ways that I can improve my quality of life as well.

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