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Abilify to treat Bipolar Disorder?

Hi...I was wondering what you could tell me about the drug Abilify, as my 16 yr. old nephew was just diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and has been prescribed this medication...also I thought that was a hereditary disorder, is it?or isn't it?? thankyou.
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Avatar universal
My grandmother was BP and my mom was diagnosed BP when she was in her early 20's, she's now 60. I think she was worse that her mother was. Taking care of both of them has been a heart breaking experience for me (36 yr mother of 3 and thankful not to have the illness). Mom is taking Seroquel, Lamictal, Tranzene and Abilify. She started taking Abilify about 8 months ago, since then she has gotten worse. Doesn't pick up her feet when she walks, it's more like scooting. Brain fogged all the time, mentally forgetful (with dates and instrutions), lays around and sleeps all day everyday. But worst thing of all she started having constant hand tremors about 1 or 2 months after starting Abilify, then about a month ago she loss complete use of 3 fingers on her right hand, it's clenched so tightly that they don't open. Her DR is 75, sees her for 10-15 min. every 3 mo.'s basically to refill meds. She has given up, she walks as far as the mailbox. Doesn't drive (matter of fact) the car's battery is dead, b'c she hasn't driven in a year. I know she's depressed, but she will not work with any of my suggestions. I think Abilify has made her worse, however she said it keeps her mind from racing. The DR said that she is completely deteriorating, since he's been treating her for the last 3 years. I'M FRUSTRATED...HELP.  
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Avatar universal
Abilify made me way anxious (and I tried it more than once-did it all three times), and I couldn't sit still!  I have been on seroquel a couple years now and it is great! But I have tried weaning off with no good result. Its a lifetime med for me along with lithium.  Tho as far as depressions go, I just wait those out- haven't been able to find a safe AD to take that wont shootme into mania.  Abilify can do wonders for some people, just not me.  Good luck with it.
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Avatar universal
I started out on Abilify for bipolar. They added in Seroquel and Lamictal, which are helping. I found Abilify to be helpful, and I haven't had any side effects with it.

As with most disorders, there is a genetic part to it, but it's not the only part. My mom is bipolar as well, but environmental and other factors influenced my becoming bipolar. Hope this helps.
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I am dealing with what has been explained to me as a bipolar mother.  This last week she has been totally out of her mind and when she finally decided to speak with myself and my sister she explained that she had been prescribed effexor as well as wellbutrin and her "new" therapist advised her that the combination can be extremely toxic and she should have never been prescribed the two meds together.  I am wondering if this is true or if this another excuse to justify her actions.  My family has been dealing with this for a very long time and as much as I hate to say this sometimes we can distinguish the difference between the truth and excuses with her.  We are extremely frustrated and I didnt know who else to ask until I found this website.  Any information ANYONE can provide would be extremely grateful.
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242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am sorry to tell you that the diagnostic criteria are such that your nephew's may or may not be hereditary, which in large part depends on the family history, the severity and other factors.  It is a good medication, but also a powerful one with known side effects that need to be discussed with your doctor.  YOu, or your nephew, just look it up, ask  questions, and be totally informed.
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Avatar universal
It can be hereditary, but that doesn't mean it will be.  My mother has green eyes so does that mean I do?  No I have blue.  It's chance, the luck of the draw.  

Abilify is a medication used to treat schizophrenia and/or bi polar disorder, however, I do believe it hasn't been well studied in children under 18.  You may want to pay close attention to his behavior for the first 6 - 8 weeks he's on the medication.  I'm wondering why they didn't try lithium first?
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Avatar universal
I don't know why they didn't start lithium...but perhaps because they aren't sure if its Bipolar or a behavioral disorder...right now he's being evaluated in a hospital setting after a bad outburst at home, involving punching walls etc..he is under a physciatrist's care outside of the hospital..
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Avatar universal
As with most psychiatric disorders, there are biological components/predisposition factors, coupled with some enviornmental factors.  It is considered genetic, but that does not necessarily mean you will find family members with the illness.....although many times you may.....as for the drug, I've personally never heard of it--try looking on WebMD
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