anon34 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 So my lamictal and abilify aren't cutting it just the two of them. My doc wants to possibly add another AAP but we aren't sure what one to add. Just wanted to see what people out there who take abilify and lamictal might suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 How much Abilify are you on? Have you explored raising the dosage rather than adding another med? Just curious. I've taken most of the AAPs and APs. Telling you which worked for me really won't help you much in figuring out what works for you. One thing I will suggest is that if you start taking one of the AAPs that tend to cause weight gain, you may want to explore using Metformin as well. It makes a big difference in a lot of folks. Oh, and what type of symptoms are you having? Some meds work better than others, depending on the symptoms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 If you are still hypo, I'd suggest increasing your dose or changing to another AAP. Abilify can be too much like an AD for some with bipolar. Generally, unless things have changed, it's preferable to take only one AAP unless other options are exhausted because you run a higher risk of side effects including movement disorders. I don't understand why your pdoc would want to just slap on another without trying an increased dose or other meds instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjimjam Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Zyprexa probably has the best reputation for bringing people down fast. You will likely gain weight, so you want to use it for the shortest time and the lowest dose that will get you stable. Seroquel comes to mind, too. It takes longer to kick in but it's really sedating so that can be helpful in the interim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anon34 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Share Posted October 3, 2013 Well, we went up to 30mg on the Abilify but it's not working as well as it should. For now we are just gonna up the lamictal but still may think of another AAP....I should add that seroquel does nothing for me except make me fat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjimjam Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 How long ago did you start taking the 30mg? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anon34 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Share Posted October 3, 2013 (edited) Yesterday...maybe not long enough? We went up to 40 since I was and still am manic... Edited October 3, 2013 by Erinface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anon34 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Share Posted October 3, 2013 Correction it was an increase to 40 not 30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjimjam Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 It may not be long enough. I do hope you do get some relief soon, though Erin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anon34 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Share Posted October 3, 2013 Thanks, me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Correction it was an increase to 40 not 30 I'd give it a few weeks to see if it helps or not. For me dose changes don't completely help right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Posted October 5, 2013 Share Posted October 5, 2013 If you need a quick comedown, Zyprexa is the best AAP, even though it does make you hungry. Abilify made me hypomanic or mixed and caused bad akathasia. I haven't checked interactions, but many typical AP's, like haldol (not as bad as people make it. I didn't mind it) can help. A lot of them don't have the huge hunger/weight gain as AAP's. sylvan, one of the admins, swears by the typical AP's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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