They wanna put me on abilify

[Klez]

I guess it's used to treat schizophrenia but also bi-polar, does anyone know much about this drug?

 

[David Baxter PhD]

It's one of the new so-called "atypical antipsychotics". They are indeed used to treat schizophrenia but increasingly in lower doses are also used to treat bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, and even some anxiety disorders.

You can read more about it here:

www.abilify.com

www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/druginfo/abilify.HTM

www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/abilify.htm

www.drugs.com/abilify.html

 

[Richardaddy]

Aripiprazole

I am on olanzapine and I have been told I can change to aripiprazole (abilify) if I want to. Apparently, aripiprazole does not cause diabetes but can cause restlessness and anxiety. Since I suffer fro paranoia, I am wondering if the aripiprazole might make it worse. I don't know what to do.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Sometimes, these questions can only be answered by trial and error, since there is no gurantee you will experience that side-effect (or any side-effects) and even if you did it would not necessarily exacerbate paranoid thinking.

Your doctor knows you and your medical history, presumably... what does s/he recommend?