This is to anyone out there on Abilify.

[Lea1959]

I am currently on Cymbalta, Valium, and six days ago started Abilify after discontinuation of Depakote 500 mg daily due to weight gain of 50 pounds.  I've written on here before about this but now would really appreciate some more feedback from anyone on Abilify.  I just started it and have already gained five pounds, according to the scales.  I am so frustrated that I'm about ready to just get off everything.  Please, if anyone out there knows if this is a permanent side effect of Abilify or if there are any other side effects that I should be aware of, please let me know.  My doc told me I wouldn't gain weight from Abilify.  Any feedback would greatly be appreciated.

[jimgreg]

hi there..i was on ablifi for 6 weeks i lost 12 pounds..and i had to get off it started making me manic...most of these drugs will make you gain...i heard that depakoate is the worst one.im on lithium been on it for 2 monthes or longer ive gained 7 pounds..but if you watch it you can slow that down of gaining..good luck  to you..james

[ILADVOCATE]

All of the current generation of anti-psychotics including Abilify can cause weight gain and have a potential to create diabetes. Abilify is the least likely but it can happen (it has to a friend of me). As well there is the potential for tardive dyskinesia. For people with straight bipolar who gain weight Lamictal is an option. If one has bipolar with psychotic features then an anti-psychotic is neccessary obviously. However, there is a new generation of anti-psychotics the glutamate antagonists in FDA study that promote a fuller recovery without weight gain, diabetes or creating tardive dyskinesia. I am on glycine a glutamate antagonist in Phase II FDA study and been identified as having recovered "as good as on any FDA approved anti-psychotics or better". My psychopharmocologist will be writing the study up soon in a psychiatric journal. I will keep people updated. In the meantime, let's remember that there are future anti-psychotics that will promote a full recovery without the severe long term and short term side effects.

[Lea1959]

I was supposed to start on 10 mg of Abilify, but my doctor decided to start me at 5 mg at night with the Cymbalta and Valium.  I haven't noticed any changes except for extreme tiredness.  I can't seem to get enough sleep.  I know that the Abilify causes you to be sleepy, but most of the medications do that until they get in your system.  I'm sure my doctor will increase the Abilify in the next two weeks.  He only gave me enough for three weeks, so that is a good sign it will be increased.

As for the weight gain, I don't know what to do.  I've been off Depakote for over a month.  I've been on the Abilify for seven days.  I weighed over my mom's house Halloween night and noticed an increase in my weight.  I am so disappointed.  My doctor told me this drug was weight neutral.  I can't gain any more weight.  I have absolutely no clothes to wear.  I've been wearing sweat pants around the house and squeeze into my jeans when I have to go out.  It's really embarrassing.  I haven't talked to my doctor about the weight gain because he told me at my visit last Tuesday that this was about the only other option that I had other than the Depakote.  If I don't lose any weight on the Abilify, then stopping the Depakote didn't really accomplish anything.  I hope no one else has this problem.  I am so frustrated and so, so depressed that I don't know what I'm going to do.  I feel like crawling in a hole and not coming out....ever.

I appreciate everyone's feedback.  If anyone has any suggestions, please get back in touch with me.  I don't have anyone to talk to about anything, except when I go visit my doctor.  My 16-year-old son lives with me, but I might as well talk to my shoe if I try to talk to him.  It's just as well though because he doesn't understand anyway.

[tres1965]

oh yeah, I just recently (within the last 6 mths) am on Cymbalta. I like that too! Believe me it seems like I had to get the mixture right to work on me though.

[tres1965]

I take 30 mg. of Abilify, I have for 5 or so years. I love it. It really made a difference to me. I also take Depakote for seizures though. They are taking me off Depakote slowly as IT causes weight gain. Is the Abilify causing you to keep the extra lbs? I am going off the Depakote FOR that reason. I've gained extra lbs from the Depakote. I was the same weight for 4 yrs before adding the Dep. into the picture. I REALLY like Abilify, I've tried them all it seems...Good luck! Tres

[frustrated_tired_mom]

My son is 14 and has been on abilify for about 5 years now. He has not gained any weight from it, but is very active in sports. I know that one of the side effects is that it messes with your sugar. Be careful not to eat to much sugar in your diet it can cause you to become diabetic. Abilify is soppose to be a good drug but sometimes it will do the opposite. If you are taking it for anger or explosive disorders and you feel more agitated after taking the Abilify call your doctor. They will either lower your dose or take you off completely. I have seen some change in my sons behavior but not enough to actually say that the drug is working. Now that he has been on it for so long it is hard to get him off it. This medicine is extremly expensive!!!!! Some insurance companies wont even cover it. Does your doctor tell you that the weight gain will be permanate or not?

[alienshadow]

What mg are you taking? I took 15mg 1 at bed time 3 days later I noticed nervousness really bad could not control it I stopped taking it after a week