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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Christ_empowered on January 5, 2011, at 12:00:18
Hey everyone. I was taking 30mgs Abilify as monotherapy. Then I started having low-level paranoia and hearing voices. My doctor diagnosed some sort of Bipolar Depression and upped the Abilify to 35mgs and added in 20mgs Celexa.
The 5mgs increase in Abilify was initially going to be temporary, but my doctor said that I've responded so well I might want to consider making it permanent. Since I get my pills in generic form from India, I have bunches of 30mgs tablets and I could easily take an extra 1/4 tablet, for about 37.5mgs Abilify per day.
On the one hand, keeping the higher dose makes sense. The higher dose keeps the paranoia at bay and I haven't had any side-effects. On the other hand, I don't want to be on a super-high dose neuroleptic; I'd feel more comfortable at 30mgs or less, since the FDA-approved max is 30. I also don't want to create a situation in which I'm on the higher dose for so long that I have problems when I try to go back down to 30 (or lower).
Also, shouldn't the celexa help keep the abilify dose lower over the long-haul?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Maxime on January 5, 2011, at 15:19:11
In reply to Keep 35mgs Abilify or go back to 30?, posted by Christ_empowered on January 5, 2011, at 12:00:18
Hey there, have you only been taking the Abilify that you got from India? Or have you been using one from a local pharmacy? Does your doctor know where you get your meds from?I think you should stay at 35 mg for now. You have only been stable on your meds for the past 3 weeks or so (has it been that long?)
Take care.
Posted by Christ_empowered on January 5, 2011, at 16:33:46
In reply to Re: Keep 35mgs Abilify or go back to 30? » Christ_empowered, posted by Maxime on January 5, 2011, at 15:19:11
Yeah, my doctor knows I get my meds from India. He's cool with it. I've been doing this for over a year now, so far so good (I mean, when I actually TAKE the Abilify, of course).
You're right, Maxime; I'll take that extra 1/4 tab later on today...better safe than sorry. I've only been stable for a week, week and a half, no need to rock the boat now.
:-) Thanks again
Posted by Jeroen on January 6, 2011, at 15:40:05
In reply to Re: Keep 35mgs Abilify or go back to 30? » Christ_empowered, posted by Maxime on January 5, 2011, at 15:19:11
i'm taking 10 mg, even with TD in my eyes and other problems like blurred vision, i m taking this med for 4 years now :(
Posted by morgan miller on January 6, 2011, at 21:25:54
In reply to Keep 35mgs Abilify or go back to 30?, posted by Christ_empowered on January 5, 2011, at 12:00:18
Maybe give 35 mg a little more time?
How does your doctor know it wasn't the Celexa that helped the low level paranoia? I forget, did you start them at the same time?
Posted by Christ_empowered on January 7, 2011, at 13:17:31
In reply to Re: Keep 35mgs Abilify or go back to 30?, posted by morgan miller on January 6, 2011, at 21:25:54
yeah, I started 20mgs Celexa at the same time my dose of Abilify was increased to 35mgs. I've been taking 30mgs and I'm feeling OK, but Abilify has such a long half life that I'm probably still feeling the effects of 2 weeks @ 35mgs/day.
Posted by morgan miller on January 7, 2011, at 13:51:27
In reply to Re: Keep 35mgs Abilify or go back to 30?, posted by Christ_empowered on January 7, 2011, at 13:17:31
I say just stick with the 30 mg dose, 35 mg is always there if you end up needing it. Good luck.
Morgan
This is the end of the thread.
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