I’ve been prescribed this for anxiety but I can’t find any information for it being used for this. I’m on other meds too and I am very medication sensitive, so I am nervous about taking it. Has anyone found it helpful for anxiety?
I’ve been prescribed Abilify for anxiety. Can it help with this?
Question posted by Naomi1977 on 12 Nov 2024
Last updated on 13 November 2024
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Answers
WildcatVet
12 Nov 2024
Hi, Naomi!
Yes, it is sometimes prescribed off-label to help manage anxiety symptoms especially when other medications have not been successful or fully successful.
I've been taking Abilify (aripiprazole) for about 10 years and I really think it's helped me significantly. I actually take it because I'm Bipolar with anxiety disorders. I also take BuSpar (buspirone) for anxiety.
Everybody responds differently and all medications won't work for everybody but I think it's worth a try.
Your doctor will probably have started you on a lower dose to help avoid or minimize any side effects. Depending on how you do with it the dosage may be increased to a maximum of 30mg/day.
Naomi1977
13 Nov 2024
Thank you for your reply. If you can remember did it make your anxiety worse to start with? That was something the psychiatrist warned me of and it makes me nervous to take it because the anxiety is already really bad.
WildcatVet
13 Nov 2024
Honestly, I don't remember anything really bad but I'm a whiner and if it really was bad I would remember.
Your doctor is pretty thorough... Abilify can cause increased anxiety in some people especially when treatment is first started. Often times side effects, if any, generally fade over a week or two. Many people just say they feel "energized". The literature I found says anxiety has been reported but not how frequently.
Good luck with this and post again with any questions or concerns that we're able to help with.
WC
PS, Try not to let your anxiety over increased anxiety make you feel even more anxious. Stay positive. Take a walk, read a book, watch an old time favorite movie again, breathe slowly when it flares up.
Related topics
abilify, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, nervous, prescription, medication
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)
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