Aripiprazole Yea or Nah?

[Palmtreemetrocuth]

Hello, I’ve just had 5mg of Aripiprazole added to my 20mg of CItalopram for depression not psychosis.

Does anyone have any experiences of Aripiprazole they could share please?

I’m concerned about some of the reviews about weight gain, compulsive gambling and shopping. Is 5mg a high dose?

Thanks

Thought I’d add a quick update in case any one searches for threads about Aripiprazole in the future.

I’ve only been taking the 5mg for a week, so it could be too soon to have any effect but I am suddenly feeling completely different today. Really full of energy and positive, rather than the complete despair and constant suicidal thoughts I have had for the past six months.

Don’t want to tempt fate but fingers crossed this will continue.

Not sure whether to stick with the 5mg or increase to 10mg as I am supposed to do after the first week.

I really hope things continue to go well for you @Palmtreemetrocuth

@Palmtreemetrocuth
Wishing you lots of positive thoughts and good mental health.
Do keep us updated.
Am still yo yo'ing about starting DD on it.
We now have a change of anti depressants and adhd meds added in...I am very nervous and kicking myself for not trying the aripriprazole earlier.

Xx

I understand your caution @DarkChocHolic, it must be so difficult trying to work out what to do for the best for your DD.
It’s still early days for me so I’ll let you know how I feel after another week.
I’m just enjoying feeling upbeat for a change 😀
Good luck xx

@Palmtreemetrocuth
Thank you!
It's much harder to make these decisions for others I think...that's why I am struggling so much.
DD is also most likely autistic as commented by several MH professionals.
She cannot clearly articulate how she feels so I worry I won't get a true sense of how the meds are really making her feel.
In a way I wish I could go on them myself!
Xx

I understand what you mean. Hopefully you will be able to tell from her demeanour how she is feeling even if she can’t articulate it herself?
Keep us updated as I’m sure there are others with experience of these drugs who might be able to offer advice xx

I took it for 4 months for mood stabilisation (10mg) but I was putting food in my pockets when I took the dogs out and spent so much money on clothes I'll never wear that I came off it.

May partner is on both of these for bipolar and raves about it worth a try x

@MaMisled
DD already has binge eating and impulsive behaviours.
That was my main worry on aripriprazole

But i appreciate each person responds differently and we may have to try it before jumping to conclusions.

I have spent £285 on art today but I’m telling myself it’s under control 😳
Also bought two new hats and a new case for my sunglasses. Weird considering I was still planning my suicide yesterday

Thanks @CourtneyB123, it’s good to hear some positive experiences too

Thank you for coming back and updating, and I'm glad it seems to be working for you!

I am considering a swap from olanzapine to aripiprazole due to the weight gain but I’m mega afraid.

Hi @Pnlolly what are your concerns about swapping from olanzapine to aripiprazole?

I haven’t had any side effects from starting Aripiprazole apart from a headache and slight nausea on the first day. Too soon to see about weight gain but I have ED anyway.

@Palmtreemetrocuth I made a few big purchases when I started on it, but it didn’t continue.

I was on 20mg for years for psychosis ( bipolar)
Until I tried to commit suicide and was in coma for 8 weeks and because my leg went gangrene/ then sepsis/ then multi organ failure including kidney failure ( on diyalsis) they had to reset all my medication.
I was taken off aripiprazole.
It was very effective when I was on it. Worked great. ( Or so I thought)
Anyway I've not been on it for a year now ( I was on lamogtrigine alongside which I'm still on)
My head is much much clearer now - no brain fog or sexual problems.
Try it, it might work for you it might but you can only try
Good luck

Thanks @JamieJ93 I’m glad things have settled down for you after your awful ordeal.
I’m not feeling so good again already but at least the Aripiprazole is giving me enough energy to get my plans in order.

Just general fear about coming off a med that works so well for me, and being afraid of trying something new.

@Palmtreemetrocuth

Are you okay? What plans are you referring to? Please talk to us

I’m having horrible side effects from Aripiprazole. I can’t settle or get comfortable sitting down but I’m struggling to walk properly as well. My arms and legs feel weird and it is difficult to move normally. The days are horrendous because I can’t rest or exercise so it’s impossible to know what to do.
Has anyone else experienced similar. I’m thinking of stopping because it is unbearable.

@Palmtreemetrocuth that doesn’t sound right, how long have you been on it?

I feel like I can’t settle too but don’t have problems with movement.
I’ve got an appointment on Thursday and will be asking to come off it.

I’ve been on it for just over 3 weeks. I went up from 5mg to 10mg after a week but came back down to 5mg on Wednesday because of the side-effects. That has helped a tiny bit but still pretty unbearable.

What dose are you on @Pibolar?

@Palmtreemetrocuth I’m on 5, went up to 10 it gave me blurred vision and was restless so I went back down to 5. Been on them since beginning of January but they don’t seem to be helping, I feel depressed on them.

I’d be shitting myself if I couldn’t walk/move properly and on the phone to my pdoc. Sorry you’re experiencing this, it sounds awful. Have you discussed it with a doctor, have they said if it should wear off?

• get problems with your movement such as feeling like you need to move all the time, difficulty moving or stiff muscles that make your movements jerky

This is from nhs website it says to call doctor or 111
don’t know how to link/pic etc

I haven’t discussed it with my psychiatrist yet, as I have caused him so much aggravation over the last few months so I don’t want to bother him again between appointments.
I can’t carry on like this though, so I’ll contact him on Monday if it’s no better tomorrow. I don’t know how I’ve made it through today.

I’m sorry they haven’t worked for you either @Pibolar