Abilify

[katiekat]

Can anyone tell me if Abilify is the type of medication that begins working right away or is it something that has to build up in your system and takes some time? I have googled my question 10 differet ways but am not finding an answer.

[misty]

I looked it up on some conduct disorder forum boards & the members seem to agree that it works pretty fast. But it made their kids so tired they had to give it to them at night so they wouldn't fall asleep in school.

I also learned:

“Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic with proported fewer side
effects than the other current anti psychotics on the market. Abilify
is less likely to cause weight gain, heart disturbances, blood
pressure problems etc. For some of us bipolar II individuals, Abilify
appears to help big time in eliminating depression and anxiety that
antidepressants could not eliminate. For some it is definitely a
miracle drug. It appears to be well tolerated for bipolar youths and
helps with mania.


Somewhere it said that it takes 4 weeks to build up the Abilify levels to a beneficial level, but you can see some results immediately.

I hope that helps a little.

[lisacap]

Christian took abilify for a about 6 months, within 2 weeks we did notice a big difference, reading Misty's post, the one thing I have to disagree with from the correspondence from the other board is the weight gain...Christian gained over 40 pounds in a 6 month span, we could not get him to stop eating, he was a bottomless pit, 10 minutes after lunch, or dinner he was looking for another meal. While it did help him alot, the side effects of the weight gain, made us have to stop. But to answer your question, you may see some small results daily, but for the actual med to kick in and for you to see a difference it may take a few weeks, I know that was one of the meds that we had to up on a weekly basis until the difference was noticable. hope that helps

[katiekat]

Thanks. I was wondering mainly because of the "power of suggestion." I wrote notes to the school nurse and the teacher to let them know that Sean would be taking medication. Even though he does not take it at school I just wanted them to be aware. The teacher wrote a note home saying that Sean seemed very calm that day and the medication must be helping. The funny thing is he hadn't even started taking it that first day. I got a good laugh over that.

[bugsmom]

I had Josh on Risperdal for over a year and a half and I seen results within 3 days. Risperdal is also a atypical antipsychotic and works very much like Abilify. Although Josh isn't bipolar, he took took it for mood and anxiety. It was a wonder drug for him in a time that things were just too hard to handle.

Like Lisa, we went off due to weight issues. He gained 24 pounds in the first 10 months. He just would not stop eating. Once he was more mature and was able to handle his moods and anxiety better through therapy, we took him off. His doctor was very concerned with his weight gain and scared me half to death worring about his health.

So, to answer your question, I think you will see some results quickly. I know, the longer he took it, the better it worked. Josh took his at night and it totally mellowed him out. He woke up happy in the morning and his moods were much more stable. If this is the right drug for Sean, I think you will be pleased.

Keep us updated...

[katiekat]

I think I love Abilify. Dare I say I think I have observed some changes that are good. He has taken it for 4 days, we will be up to 5mg in 6 more days and that's the dosage we'll stay at.
He has had 3 good days in a row at school.
He is not running and jumping all over the house, seems calmer.
When he gets in the shower he usually goes nuts. He climbs, jumps, bangs, claps, shouts, and makes all kinds of weird and LOUD noises. He will also stay in there forever if I dont tell him to get out. The past 2 nights he took a shower he was in there for about 5 minutes and was totally silent.
Because he is not running & jumping & climbing he has not gotten hurt.
And most impressive-I had a real conversation with him that made sense. It was not just a bunch of meaningless babble that is just Sean talking to hear his own voice and seeing how many words can come out of his mouth. The conversation started, we talked, and it ENDED!
When I read the note from the teacher today I told him he definitely deserved a reward and he could pick whatever he wanted to do. He chose to go to the bakery and get cupcakes which was good for me as well because they have the best cream donuts ever.

[charliegirl]

I'm so happy for you and Sean both! I pray it continues working so well for him and he can have quality FUN time with Mom for a change. Has he said anything about noticing a difference himself?

[katiekat]

I am beginning to think that this may be our miracle drug. Sean went to a birthday party today at a bowling alley and was very well behaved. He did not run around out of control, kept his hands to himself, waited his turn to bowl without freaking out, and did not try to "run the show" as he usually would. This is the first time EVER. He has never been in this type of situation without completely losing control. And I truly mean NEVER. It is freakish but in a good way.
One thing I have noticed though-since starting the medication he has become very mouthy with a lot of back talk. This is very out of character for him.

[charliegirl]

Hopefully that is something that he can be taught not to do since the abilify is helping him control himself in so many other ways.

I'm so glad it has made him easier to be around.

[bugsmom]

KK, I am just thrilled to pieces that your seeing some kind of results with the Abilify! I had a feeling that if this was the right match for Sean, that you would see results quickly. I'm doing the happy dance for all of you! I pray that it continues to work well for him. It sounds as though your off to a good start!