Do I need Abilify, Please Help

[marv7]

I was diagnosed with depression at a young age given Zoloft and felt high as a kite. Later I was diagnosed as bipolar. I am now on 5mg of Lexapro and 200mg of Lamictal. My psychiatrist wanted me off the Lexapro as it can cause manic episodes. I was taken off but the severity of the anxiety was too much to handle. I have been on antidepressants for years.

I have had manic episodes before. The last one was brought on by stress. The mania I experience has the effects of insomnia, racing thoughts, and severe depression. I have felt hyper and excited before but not at all to the point of spending sprees, multiple partners, anger, ect. The last time my mania hit was due to the stresses of a new job. I was just too hard on myself, lost 30 lbs. That was over 6 months ago. I am no longer working.

My doctor wants to put me on Abilify. I tried 2mgs only once. I had no problems. He wants me to start with 2mg then go up to 5mg. I don't want to. I have read about the side effects. Just the thought of it gives me anxiety. I spoke with him about it agian, my concerns with side effects and my questioning if I really do need it even if I rarely have manic episodes. He thinks I do.

I see him in two weeks so I need to start taking it. I am contemplating on going to a teaching hospital, perhaps UC Davis, a place that specializes in the study of bipolar.
Any insight would be great,
Thank you Mary

[Crystlas]

I had problems on Lamictil, it caused me migraines and suicidal ideations so I quit it.  I am on Wellbutrin and Abilify now and they are working together very well.  I no longer have symptoms of being bipolar!  I LOVE LOVE abilify.  It balanced my sleep patterns again and I feel so much better on it.  It is great for mixed state bipolar, which I am.  I had side effects in the beginning and started on 5mg.  I am now on 10mg and doing quite well.  At first all that happened to me is I got constipated and have more acne.  At 10mg I started getting sleepy during the day so I now take it at night.  Have for three days now and seems to be much better.  However, I napped today but I think that is because I have pink-eye right now and feeling ucky.  Anyhow, there is my personal story with Abilify.  Hope it helps!  Take care, and give it a try, you might love it like I do!  Oh, BTW, I have tried over 10 meds, best one yet and I am balanced on it better than all the others.  

[marv7]

Michael, thank you for responding.
It has been so long since I had a medication ajustment I am so afriad of what the new meds will do to me. Ever since my psychiatrist took me off the Lexapro then back on, my anxiety can be pretty bad. Perhaps it is the anxiety that is holding me back.
Thanks again,
Mary

[Jikan]

Namaste,

Abilify is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Abilify is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used together with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Abilify does not really have major side effects that are any different than many of the psychotroic medications on the market today.

If you're dealing with a competent psychiatrist, I would take his suggestion and try Abilify to control your symptoms and especially to prevent manic episodes.

If you're that concerned, a second opinion is definitely an option.

Ultimately, however, the decision is yours. Just remember that your well being is the issue here and that in order to have the best quality of life possible it is oftentimes better to put ourselves into the hands of others.

Michael(Jikan)