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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 sadperson on March 17, 2014, at 6:04:30
Does anyone have experience going from 5mg to 10mg of Abilify as an adjunct medication for depression? I am already taking the maximum dosages of Remeron and Cymbalta.
Posted by SLS on March 17, 2014, at 7:50:37
In reply to Abilify, posted by sadperson on March 17, 2014, at 6:04:30
> Does anyone have experience going from 5mg to 10mg of Abilify as an adjunct medication for depression? I am already taking the maximum dosages of Remeron and Cymbalta.
What condition are you treating? What dosages of these two drugs are you taking?
I use Abilify as an adjunct to treat bipolar depression. I need a minimum of 10 mg/day to maintain an improvement. I have tried reducing the dosage to 5 mg/day and experienced a deterioration in my condition. Many people can tolerate a dosage increase of Abilify from 5 mg/day to 10 mg/day without sequalae. Some people, like me, are able to initiate treatment at 20 mg/day. I experienced mild akathisia that lasted just a few days. Because of its long half-life (72 hours), it takes awhile to reach equilibrium. In other words, Abilify blood levels increase gradually, despite starting treatment at the target dosage. One idea proposed is that low dosages of Abilify (2 - 5 mg/day) can work to treat unipolar Major Depressive Disorder. However, higher dosages are necessary for Bipolar Disorder. I get the feeling from seeing people try Abilify to treat unipolar depression that they are more sensitive to side effects at higher dosages than are people with Bipolar Disorder.
If you haven't already tried Pristiq or Effexor, I would consider switching to one of these drugs from Cymbalta. You can also try adding Wellbutrin to any of these drugs.
Good luck
- Scott
Posted by sadperson on March 17, 2014, at 10:28:13
In reply to Re: Abilify » sadperson, posted by SLS on March 17, 2014, at 7:50:37
I'm taking 90 mg Remeron and 120 mg Cymbalta as well as 5 mg of Abilify, all for the treatment of unipolar depression. I've been on this regimen for 7 years and the cracks are beginning to show (breakthrough depression and anxiety nearly every day for at least a few hours).
Posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2014, at 11:50:38
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by sadperson on March 17, 2014, at 10:28:13
Highest does of Cymbalta. Makes me wonder again about the workings of meds. Sorry to sound negative. How is your general health? Phillipa
Posted by phidippus on March 17, 2014, at 14:21:10
In reply to Abilify, posted by sadperson on March 17, 2014, at 6:04:30
10 mg was the dosage I stayed at. You get more 5ht1a benefits.
Eric
Posted by Christ_empowered on March 18, 2014, at 20:29:21
In reply to Re: Abilify » sadperson, posted by SLS on March 17, 2014, at 7:50:37
like scott wrote above, maybe Effexor xr? Its cheap and its been studied a bit in combo w/ remeron (California Rocketfuel...how exciting, right?).
Another thought that popped up in my mind was leaving the AD drugs alone and adding lamictal. I don't know where that came from...just a thought.
Good luck!
Posted by b2chica on March 21, 2014, at 15:30:46
In reply to Abilify, posted by sadperson on March 17, 2014, at 6:04:30
i did but i got horrible anger rage outbursts, became almost uncontrollable. ended up having a dissociative/rage burst in my T's office. ended up in hospital that night....
once i got off it, it ended...
course i don't have a great track record with meds...best wishes.
This is the end of the thread.
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