Abilify questions

[Fluffypinkbunny]

I've been taking Ablifly for over a month now.  It knocks out my depression but I get internal restlessness on it.  I feel like I need to get up and run, only I'm not a runner LOL!  I'm only on a small dose plus I'm taking Contigen, twice per day.

 

I'm also off all ad meds for now. I plan on exploring Pristiq, next go around.

 

I don't see my pd for another month.  I tried getting in sooner, but he's on vacation for a few weeks.

 

Is there anyway to get rid of this restlessness?  Should I try another AP?  I've tried Risp in the past and I felt flat on it.  Latuda did nothing for my depression.

 

Any suggestions welcome!

 

TIA

[San]

I had what you have when I was on Abilify. The technical name is akathasia (probably spelled differently). I took Artane with it, but it didn't touch it. I tried Benadryl, nope. I can't tolerate Cogentin (I can't pee and my vision gets blurry, not common side effects) and even tried Mirapex, but nothing helped, I had to switch.

 

You're on a low dose of Cogentin, and Ativan, they could be increased if you discuss it with your pdoc. Beta-blockers are an option for some people, but they lower your blood pressure. I've heard good things about beta blockers. You could try Artane. There are options. Definitely get in with your pdoc to discuss options.

 

It may go away on its own (it didn't for me, as soon as I hit 10mg I had such bad akathasia I ended up IP accidentally, went to the ER to see a pdoc, since mine had retired, and 1st day ER doc put me on an involuntary hold.) This is a pretty common side effect. But it is manageable most of the time.

 

Do note, I'm really prone to akathasia and find it hard to treat in myself. 

[Fluffypinkbunny]

Thank you so very much for your help!!!

 

My new and young pd isn't a fan of benzos . He asked me if in 6 months, we could discuss cutting them.  When he** freezes over LOL!

 

I'm no way stable as of yet and I can't get by, without taking something.

 

I had a therapist appointment today(same office as pd) but she called In sick.  I was going to talk to her about this as she relates all into, to my pd.

 

I've got to hang in there until May 18th!

 

One thing that does help me, is playing my sons video games.  I'm so amped up when I play that I don't notice the restlessness. 

 

I just like to be able to sit down for a few minutes and relax.  Hopefully, it will pass.  If not, I may have to take up running.

Edited April 20, 2015 by Fluffypinkbunny

[Fluffypinkbunny]

I took a Lorazepam today and the restlessness is much better.  I'm much calmer, thank goodness.

[jt07]

I got really, really bad anxiety from Abilify until I hit 10 mg. I don't know whether I'd describe it as restlessness. Some people get akathesia from Abilify, but I just got horrible anxiety. If it's akathesia, there are treatments. As San mentioned, the Cogentin and Ativan are effective. So are beta blockers and even Benadryl is sometimes used. If it is really bad, can you call your pdoc's office? Even if he is on vacation, he must have someone covering for him.

[Flash]

I got akathisia when I bumped from 5 to 10mg of Abilify. I took 1mg cogentin 1x per day and it quashed it. Then a while down the line I tried life without the cogentin, and found I didn't need it any more. I'm glad the lorazepam helped.

[Fluffypinkbunny]

Thank you both!  I'm not as restless today.  Maybe this is something that will pass.  I sure hope so as my depression is gone with Abilify.