Abilify

[lcdc1]

what is my physc favorite saying - something like, "pills don't teach skills", he tells me all the time that along with the meds, I personally need cognitive and behavioral therapy type of stuff, the meds will help me settle down enough to be receptive to learning new coping skills, not fix my issues. Maybe Sean now needs the behavior skills and stuff to go with it. Also it is very rare to get the dosing right on the first try, I thought most docs started at the lowest level and slowly titrated up to the dose that worked?

[katiekat]

He started out on 1 mg and worked up to 5mg.Thats where we'll stay at least until the next appointment.
I'm glad you reminded me...maybe now he will be accepted into the social skills class. I will have to give her a call. Thanks!

[katiekat]

Over the past week I have noticed what I guess are side effects of the Abilify. They are both listed as rare as far as side effects go. There is a lot about it causing weight gain but Sean has a complete loss of appetite. He doesn't eat much to start with but he is down to next to nothing. Even with foods that he normally loves he does not eat more than a few bites. Also I didnt find much on it but I would have to say he seems depressed. His teacher has described him as "solemn" and "somber" although his behavior has been much better in class. I'm not sure if he actually is depressed or if it is just strange to see him calm and quieter and I'm just mistaking more normal behavior for sadness.

[charliegirl]

Its possible it has controlled his emotions too much but he will adjust as his body gets used to it. Those would be important to discuss with his dr to make sure they aren't permenant.

[katiekat]

It was a temporary thing. The not eating and depression are gone. While I certainly don't want him to be sad, in addition to these side effects being gone the fact the medication was helping is gone too. It's like he's not even on it. I am feeling so discouraged and hopeless. It is days like these where my mind wanders to the "what have I gotten myself into" thoughts. My husband once asked me if I knew then what I know now would I have still married him. Being the brutally honest person that I cannot help but to be I told him the truth-no.
Maybe one day we will find something that works but for now I want to go somewhere and scream...

[charliegirl]

Often finding the right med and the right dosage take a lot of experimenting. Sometimes they need a combination of meds. Don't give up hope. That worked for a while so you are on the right track.

[katiekat]

I am hoping that a simple med. adjustment will do the trick. He is taking 5mg and the Dr. had said that you can go as high as 15mg. He seems to be very med resistent.