Abilify for mild depression?

[Worrywart27]

Went to docs with unrelated problems but in talking my anxiety was evident and she asked about depression and I told her I wasn't suicidal and no desire to hurt myself or anyone else just was having a difficult time seeing the good in anything. Everyday tasks seemed very hard to do. Zero motivation although i do function well enough to get thru my days. i have never taken antidepressants before I am 33 yo male. She recommended I try meds. I asked for a very low dose of something and she prescribed 2 mg abilify every night before bed. After going home and reading about this drug I'm super apprehensive about it! Trust my doc, she has been great for 3 years now but I'm a little nervous bout taking this. Any advice? Experience? It is not as an add on. I take no other meds for anxiety or depression. ThAnks so much!

[Worrywart27]

Thanks for response. I just can't figure out why she would give this to me? Anyway I'm not taking it. Thanks again.

[nursegirl6572]

Abilify is an anti-psychotic med commonly used to treat psychotic illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schitzophrenia, etc.  It is sometimes used as an adjunct treatment (in addition to another antidepressant) to treat clinical depression, alrthough  I've honestly never heard of it being Rx'ed alone for depression.  That doesn't mean it isn't done or that it won't help, I'm just telling you the common uses.  It's NOT typically used as a stand alone med for depression (mild depression at that).

http://www.drugs.com/abilify.html

Also, because you've never taken any antidepressant before, I find it odd that Abilify would be the first choice to try, when there are MANY more appropriate meds to try first.


I personally would recommend asking some questions of your doc before making any decision either way.  If you have to, get a second opinion.  If this recommendation is coming from your PCP, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist first.

Good Luck,let us know what you decide!