I take Wellbutrin & Cymbalta, still having depression & anxiety. I've tried Efexior, prozac, cellexor... only thing that helped was the prozac but after a while it mad me very tired in the afternoon.
How does Abilify work and why is it so expensive?
Question posted by babyboomer53 on 15 April 2010
Last updated on 23 May 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
10 Answers
arcanoidcyst16
25 Aug 2010
I just went to see my NEW SHRINK today and he put me on Lexapro 10mg 1X a day in the AM,and 2mg of ABILIFY 1X a day in the AM along with my Lexapro.I wasn't even told what I was diagnosed with.Is that even legal??Not telling you what you are diagnosed with??The Local Pharmacy I went to get my medication today.Charged my Insurance Company $608.99 cents for a 30-Day Supply of Abilify,and said that my Lexapro was pending.(Otherwise waiting for insurance approval.)How is it that the Pharmacutical Company's are getting rich off of us.It's not right!!! They even gave me the Real Bottle that the Abilify came in when the Pharmacutical Company shipped it to the Local Pharmacy.I looked on the bottle and there is a generic.My doctor put on the 2 Scripts"Brand Name Neccesary."What does he think I am rich too??This was my first visit seeing him now.I just want some feedback about this visit.
jk13
25 Aug 2010
The thing that sucks about Abilify, is that there is a generic, but it is not legal to be given in the USA due to patents and such, I don't get it... and the second thing that sucks about Abilify is that it is the only one that acts the way it does, and there are drugs similar, but with very very bad side effect profiles, such as being extremely tiered (and Abilify practically knocks me out as it is), or a risk to your overall health (forgot the details). But, I too can't afford the stuff, but did needed it for a while, and actually still use it for emergencies (C-PTSD flash backs that I can't handle)...
stopdruggingkids
25 Aug 2010
If you want to stay really healthy and have a good life then AVOID psychiatrists at all costs. If they label you with any condition ask for a test which proves you have this condition before you succumb to a lifetime of dangerous addictive drugs which may cause irreversable side effects. Have you read the book "Mad in America" by Robert Whittaker. It is a real eye opener? I think its so sad that so many people are having their lives destroyed by psychotropic drugs. If your having problems in your life, change your lifestyle. Drugs are not always the answer to lifes problems!
marsha79
27 Sep 2010
As far as the cost goes..the doctors that I have seen don't care!As far as most mental healt issues go..it seems ,once again that most doctors don't seem to care.I have been fighting for a decent doctor for years now(I have both depression and major anxiety problems).I can relate to your dilema.Be careful with the lexapro,I tried it and was less than impressed.The side effects are bad(headaches ,sexual problems)Stopping leapro is horrible.Just be aware-ask a lot of questions-and be willing to do alot of studying on your own.It is your health and no one cares like you do.God bless and take care
Notthatbad
20 Oct 2010
The problem is both with insurance and pharma comp. The pharmaceutical companies would have no incentive to research and develop meds if no profit, yet insurance companies rarely cover it. Also, Ive had terrible reactions to some generics (wellbutrin, for ex).
I ALWAYS believed generics HAD TO BE EXACT chemical makeup as brand. But my Dr (who gets points by insurance companies for every generic he writes) told me flat out that FDA standards for generic compliance are different depending on the drug. Drs receive incentives by Ins comp for writing generics. So do pharmacies: my pharmacy won't keep brand if generic is available.
Write or call your insurance company. They cannot stand in the way of your health. A note from your dr and a phone call (along with written request from you, and keep copies) and your insurance company may change their tune. Just mention "bad faith" if they refuse...
I pay 79$ for generic birth control. Yet my insurance pays for Viagra... It's a screwy system.
Btw: I'm not a drug rep or nor do I have anything to do with pharma or insurance comp. I'm a law student who can barely afford my meds.
slattery
3 Sep 2011
As a sufferer from Bipolar I disorder, I have to say that abilify combined with a mood stabilizer is in my opinion the best bet. I used zyprexa for six years, which proved lethal to me, as I gained 100lbs during that time, and turned into a walking zombie. I came off the meds for 13 months, lost every bit of the weight... but suffered another manic episode. I subsequently was put onto Saphris, which is a horrible drug. The abilify combined with depakote has worked fine for me, with few side effects, and no weight gain at all. Unfortunately I'd love to live a drug-free life, but with a condition this severe, the evidence of the necessity of drugs was proved... no drugs=an episode for me. Like diabetes, it's just an unfortunate fact of life for some.
Inactive
31 July 2010
Fist, interesting observation about the Prozac and making you tired in the afternoon. I take too many meds to pick one out, but I find once most meds stop working, then they do make me tired. Thank you, I'll look into it and do a test. Anyway, Abilify is an adjunct to SSRI's SNRI's, etc. It is supposed to "even you out". Kind of like a bi-polar or manic depressive med but not as heavy duty. It's expensive because it's new, BRAND ONLY, until their patent runs out. I think it's the only one out there like it. Everyone's pushing it. So you should definitely get FREE samples from your Doc or even the company. I asked my Psychiatrist about it - but Doc didn't think I was a candidate. I use Xanax BRAND and Prozac BRAND for my Panic/Anxiety/Depression. Wish I could go up on Prozac but too many side effects since I have Endocrine Disorders too.
Do you take anything else besides the SSRI's for your depression and anxiety? I went 5 years undiagnosed before I found a Psychiatrist who put me on .75 mg. of Xanax and my Anxiety attacks disappeared IMMEDIATELY. I was on a TCA (old anti-depressant) for awhile but the side effects always get me, as did the weight. I don't know what else you're taking - the Wellbutrin should keep you alert with the Dopamine, and the Cymbalta with it would probably help out too with the serotonin aspect, but I've never tried 2 at the same time. You might have something there... Long answer, hope it helps!
coloradochick
30 May 2010
abilify is made to "boost" the drug your on, like prozac. Just a new way to rip you off.
I am shocked you are on cymbalta, and for anxiety, WTF? Docs are so great about giving anti dep for anxiety, they do nothing for it! Adavan, clonazapam, valume and xanax are for anxiety..(sp?).OMg, and they write you abilify so they can fly off on vacation via the drug companies,asit is new! it's BS!
Prozac, that comes generic, add that with clonazapam (cost about $16.00 per 50, 2 mg, strong dose) would work better.Hell buy it from mexico, canada if your doc won't give you it. xanax is the strong one, but clonazapam, you should get that easy.
!0 years plus I have been stuck in the system, I have a fake spine, and hurt so much even with meds like the fent patch, percs, I hate my life! tried to die, but failed.
Anywho... not about me, get some clonazapam, or valume for that anxiety!
And for gods sake keep far away from cymbalta! Bad stuff.
I would not tell you anything that I have not had forced down me before.
cymbalta is very bad, and you will get sick bad if you stop taking it right away, prozac stays in your system longer, so the side effects are not even as bad.
good luck!
choirdogsplace
26 June 2010
yes, I agree,Cymbalta is terrible withdrawal if you do not wean from it slowly-my psychiatrist started me on pristiq and told me it would be fine for me to make the switch and I have been trying to recover from depression and anxiety for 6 weeks now-I am now getting bad side-effects from Wellbutrin xl and am getting off of it slowly-on prozac 20mg to help all this misery-good luck-Sandy
jk13
4 July 2010
I also have to agree, I find it very strange that there is no usage of any benzo. While everyone knows about benzo withdrawals, and that they're a scheduled substance - thus often making the doctor a bit skittish about prescribing things like that - however, just about anything that truly affects your brain chemistry is going to cause withdrawal systems 99% of the time. A simple SSRI plus a Benzo as coloradochick mentioned above is my understanding the standard as how to treat your symptoms. The benzo would depend totally if you're continually anxious, thus a long acting benzo taken every day - if you're triggered by social events, then a short acting one taken when needed like xanax is what is needed. Regardless, it sounds like you're going to a general doctor, when you should be going to someone who specializes in this field, such as a psychologist. If you are in fact going to a psychologist, then personally, I'd switch doctors, cause what's going on just isn't right.
jk13
4 July 2010
Sorry, I mean psychiatrist (a doc that can prescribe medication and specializes in mental disorders), not psychologist (a counselor that breaks the issues down, and identifies what the source a cause is, and what can be done) although they help quite a bit, and have been proven to help.
kytteneyes
22 May 2010
I have am using abilify and have been for over 2 yrs. I really loved it. It has made me feel more normal then ever. I am bipolar with schizo affective disorder. But I have developed trouble swallowing where there is like a clicking sensation in my throat and I am not sure but think this was caused by it. It shows that if you have hx of trouble swallowing not to take. I also know that it has raised my sugar levels and I have hx of diabetes in my family and now am borderline to becoming diabetic. So now I have to find some other combo of drugs to take. Every med is different for everyone so just be careful and look into what you are giving before just taking it. I was never told by psych that I had to look out for these things. My psych always has samples to give me when I can not afford them and there is this link you can look at to see if you qualify for assistance. http://www.bms.com/products/Pages/programs.aspx. Hope this has helped you in some way.
christineATU
28 April 2010
No one here cares about spelling :) BUCKY found you the info... the next 2 answers had good effects from it, and SPECIALMOM has big issues with this medication. So I guess it all depends on the individual and how they react to it. But to be honest with you, I have heard more bad stories than good about this medication. Talk with your doctor about your concerns. Good luck to you!
Chris
Thebyrdman
7 May 2010
LOL... it attaches to several different receptors on the surface of nerve cells in the brain. This disrupts signals transmitted between brain cells by ‘neurotransmitters’, chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other. I think Abilify works mainly by being a ‘partial agonist’ for the receptors for the neurotransmitters - dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (a.k.a. serotonin). This means that abilify acts like dopamine and serotonin by activating and utilizing these receptors, but not as much as the actual neurotransmitters would. Since dopamine and serotonin are involved in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, abilify helps to normalize the activity of the brain, reducing psychotic or manic symptoms and preventing them from returning. So basically, abilify balances and stabalizes your dopamine and serotonin levels over time which could result in both positive and negative side effects.
I've heard more positive results from abilify than negative ones(In adults). I've heard that a lot of children who take this med. have had fluctuation in weight, and just flat-out weight gain.
-Brandon
Thebyrdman
7 May 2010
BTW, if you are taking abilify, simply ask your doctor for samples. They are free. Abilify is expensive and you can't get it internationally. If your doctor is being a turd, and won't give you samples, then go to patientassistance.com and see if you qualify with their abilify program. Later
christineATU
7 May 2010
Did I miss a joke somewhere??
Thebyrdman
7 May 2010
No. I was just laughing at the spelling comment :-)
Thebyrdman
7 May 2010
I meant to put that information in as a response instead of a comment. Sorry. I am fairly new to this website.
christineATU
8 May 2010
To be honest with you, your answers are a bit complicated. Many of us on this site, use it for support, sharing our stories, asking questions, opinions, generally try to be a friend. Many people are addicted to strong pain meds (including me) and are looking for help getting through withdrawal symptoms, depression, anxiety, etc. It's great to have a real live pharmacist join! Maybe share a little of your story (or not) and try to explain in layman's terms. Glad to see you here and look forward to your input!
Chris
christineATU
8 May 2010
Thebyrdman... no offense intended at all. Please don't take what I said the wrong way.
stopdruggingkids
17 May 2010
The current trend to give young children antidepressants,antipsychotic and dangerous ADHD stimulants is destroying the whole concept of childhood. Growing healthy children should NOT be consuming such substances at such an early age. It seems that childish behaviour has been medicalised by the pure greed of drug companies who are not content with tranquillising half the population.I believe there is a new disorder called ODD, (Obsessive diagnosing disorder) and many so called health proffessionals have it..
How can you justify giving even toddlers such dangerous medication ?
marianne1927
30 June 2011
Since abilify is an anti-psychotic drug, I am afraid to start taking it. When I took haldol in 1990 I drove a car and don't remember anything until I hit another car. I felt disconnected all the time always asking my family members who stayed with me what day is this and what time is this. My psych. dr. prescribed Ability 2 weeks ago and I have not had the courage to take it.
Hannah1961
2 July 2011
I'm in a patient assisted program but unfortunatly I have to keep my income under $14,000 on( paper at least). It's such a sad fact that $1 above poverty preverts me from getting the help I need to keep my bi polar and depression under control so I can work! I'm sure every state and county have different programs so keep trying
cspecialmom1111
28 April 2010
I took abilify for 6 years and now suffer from permanent severe side effects. While the drug did it's job, it left me damaged for the rest of my life! If I were you, I would weigh out the benifits vs. the risks!! You can also join the Abilify support group here on drugs.com and see what people are saying. Please be very cautious in your decision. Good Luck.
marybjones
13 May 2010
Special Mom, I agree with you. I was on abilify for 1 week, I had slurred speech, irregular movement in my face, dizzieness. I thought it was horrible. I would reccomend it to anyone
Inactive
1 Aug 2010
cspecialmom... Please please tell me the permanent side effect that you have now from the drug. My doctor took away Tegretol and back on 10mg of Abilify. I'm scared now. I have diebites in the family to and I am already overweight as well. "mom" please get back w me. I have to know. And I am bipolar2 and do not have mixed episodes anymore in years or mania.
lisajznj
12 Feb 2012
Special mom, I TOTALLY agree with you and would like to talk more to you. I have recently been diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia and at this point it is so severe the doctors fear it will be permanent. My mouth,tongue and jaw move uncontrollably and cause unbearable pain and headaches. One of the neurologists I went to said, "It is a disgrace the way abilify is marketed because it has one of the highest risks of causing this disorder. And now they are trying to target the older population which is an even higher risk." His words not mine. I took abilify off and on (because of some side effects my doctor took me off for awhile, then talked me into trying it again with a different anti-depressant) for about a year. I stopped it again about seven months ago.
I believe I had the first signs of my disorder about four months ago (tardive referring to late onset) but I was mistreated, misdiagnosed, and dismissed as having anxiety (one neurologist told me to take a yoga class!) until about two weeks ago when I was told I had a CLASSIC severe case of the disorder that had definitely been ignored too long. Sorry for rambling but I am adamant about warning people of this drug. I would not wish this disorder on my worst enemy. I offer you all my support and prayers. Please get in touch. Lisa Z
norton3
16 April 2010
Abilify worked for me. It took away my obsessive thoughts and I became normal again. I was taking it with Lexapro and Xanax. I had to stop it though because it had a bad effect and gave me restless leg syndrome.
needadrive
14 Aug 2010
I'm sorry to hear you had to stop the Abilify, since it was obviously working for you. My fiance is taking Lexapro, but is still struggling with anxiety. He also gets VERY anxious if things aren't 'in their place' (maybe a little OCD). Do you know if the Abilify was interacting with the Lexapro or the Xanax individually or bc you were taking them in combination? I wonder if adding the Abilify to his Lexapro would help...
SiaameezKat
1 April 2013
I've been on Lexapro for over 4 years and I just started taking Abilify with it and it is amazing. I haven't experienced any of the side effects. I have more energy than I used to and I'm actually happy almost all the time! I actually want to go do things and I have more motivation than I've had in a long time. I feel like I'm going back to the girl I used to be when I was younger.
mkp281
23 May 2018
My doctor switched me to Valium instead of Xanax, and it works much better.
kellyandtodd
15 April 2010
Abilify works along with a antidepressant to enhance the effect of the med,its also prescribed for other things,and the price well thats just another way for the drug companys to get rich,hope this helps
shelard
7 Aug 2010
My doc said he'd order stronger ones and I could cut them in 1/2 's to save $. Also try to write,e-mail, or call manufacturers 7 ask for help. even if you have insurance the copay is too high. SharonH
Inactive
15 April 2010
I found Abilfy and it sounds scary,
What is Abilify?
Abilify (aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
Abilify is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used together with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
Abilify is also used to treat irritability and symptoms of aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury related to autistic disorder in children who are at least 6 years old.
Abilify may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Abilify
Abilify is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Abilify may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Stop using Abilify and call your doctor at once if you have the following symptoms: fever with stiff muscles and rapid heart rate; uncontrolled muscle movements; symptoms that come on suddenly such as numbness or weakness, severe headache, and problems with vision, speech, or balance. Abilify can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Abilify.
Before you take aripiprazole, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Abilify.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Abilify.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Abilify?
Abilify is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Abilify may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to aripiprazole. If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Abilify: liver or kidney disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
Abilify may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Abilify.
Notthatbad
20 Oct 2010
Isn't this from patient info insert?
harleybluz
18 Aug 2011
Abilify for depression is the only drug that worked for me and being extremely sensitive to side effects, it was great. It's not as scary as it sounds. They have to tell you everything about the drug now days even if only one person has had that reaction. I have not gained weight, sleep better and panic and depression are gone. I'm actually laughing again. And... all this on a low dose.
smarba481
17 Jan 2013
I have been on Abilify for 13yrs. & it seems like it was the best medication for me. The only side effect I have ever had is dry mouth. In the 13 yrs. the doctor has tried to take me off of it twice with no luck. I ended up almost having to go to the hospital the first time & the other medication they tried did not agree with me at all, I had terrible side effects. So the doctor got me back on Abilify both times & I went back to my normal happy self again. I am on Abilify for my bipolar disorder & I have had nothing but good luck with it, so I don't understand why they can't make a generic tablet or decrease the price, there should be a way you can lower the price because people like me who really found something that works can't afford it. Anonymous
mkp281
23 May 2018
There is a cheaper generic of Abilify available, it's called mirtazapine.
Sideffects2
15 April 2010
Can't tell you how it works and neither can the drug company.It is one of the atypical & newer antipsychotics. That means it tends to give you metabolic side effects rather than movement ones. It is not on generic hence the high price. All the side effects suck. It's just a matter of finding the best ones for yourself. Cheers.
tdholste
22 Aug 2010
i added you as a freind if that,s all right.Glad the pristq is working for you.
lmitch63
22 Nov 2011
I was on abilify for a couple of years. While in my pain management Dr's office, there was an ad for Abilify with all of the terrible side effects that I was seeing the pain Dr. for. When I realized that I was seeing him for the Abilify side effects (not knowing this) joint stiffness ( which included not being able to pet my dogs by the end of the night because I was unable to open my hand all the way because of pain and stiffness) I stopped the Abilify and those side effects went away.
Related topics
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)
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