Abilify & akathisia.

[travelseeker]

I have bipolar II, Major depression and generalized anxiety. I have been working with my psychiatrist for 10+ years to find a combination of medications to relieve my symptoms.
I have been taking Wellbutrin XR, Lexapro and Klonopin (as needed.) Last year we added Abilify and the results were incredible. I came out of a very dark place, laughed, chatted, felt positive emotions and, for the first time in 15 years, felt like a "normal" person. But after a month or so I developed severe akathisia. It was so unbearable that I stopped taking Abilify.
This year I moved to another state and began seeing a new psychiatrist. I decided to give Abilify another try. I had the same amazing results but the akathisia returned. My psychiatrist said we could try adding Propranalol or increase the Abilify doseage. (Increase not decrease.) I opted for Propranalol and began taking 20 mg daily. It didn't help and I stopped Abilify/Propranalol. (I couldn't bear to try a higher dose of Abilify.)
It's so sad not to be able to take it because it's a wonder-drug for me. I want to find a way to deal with this Akathisia issue. I've been reading and researching and came across this article from the British Journal of Psychiatry: http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/196/2/89.full
In part it suggests Propranalol treatment of 40-80 mg a day twice daily. I was only taking 20mg daily. Was this perhaps too low and what's a tactful way to discuss this with my psychiatrist?
In part it also suggests switching to a low potency FGA or "to a more commonly used SGA with low potential to induce akathisia (e.g. quetiapine)" Nowhere does it suggest increasing an Abilify doseage. Does that have some merit?
I would appreciate any advice or information as I'm desperate to start feeling normal again.

[4Maddie44]

If you get the akathisia with the Abilify then perhaps it is just not the drug for you.

I got it with Prozac 20g.  the most awful thing I have ever experienced.  such a shame as the Abilify seemed to help you so much, but it is not worth you putting yourself through that again.  

There is no reason not to tell your psychiartist that you have read that article.  Indeed, why not take it to show him/her.  

I am sorry I am not more helpful, but you are doing the right thing by discussing all your concerns with a professional.