Abilify Maintena and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Smo...
• January 2, 2020

For Schizophrenia "I've been on some form of Abilify injection for 4 years. I have never missed a monthly dose. Started 400 mg for 2 years, 300 mg for 2 years, and just got my first 200 mg in Jan 2020 for schizoaffective disorder. I will never be tapered off, but the point in lowering is to maintain stability, but at the same time control the insatiable desire the meds give me to eat. Also to try and get back some of the energy the meds just simply take away - energy to cook, clean, and exercise. I have been trying different meds for 10 years, and Abilify is my preferred. After refusing those other antipsychotic meds that have literally been around forever, Abilify injection seemed to be a happy medium, and you don’t have to take a pill every day (because I know I won’t). If you find being on an antipsychotic indefinitely is your reality, Abilify makes things easier. With the injection lasting a month long, it’s very incognito and doesn’t remind you that you are being treated - like taking a pill every day."

• Lou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 13, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Starting in 2003, I have had problems. By 2009, it increased, and my family finally took it seriously when I tried to jump out of my mother's vehicle. In 2012, I saw a new psychiatrist who finally got me stable on Abilify Maintena 400 mg dose. It has been a miracle drug for me. Side effects suck, but I can deal with the weight gain, I guess. To counteract the fatigue, I also take Nuvigil and Vyvanse, which I can sleep through, these drugs, that is how strong the fatigue is. But I am functional, happy, and have no crazy wild thoughts. If I do have them, they are not as strong, and I tend to just shrug them off. I can tell the shot is working because at the end of the month, I start getting irritable and sad, and immediately when I take it, I feel better. Oddly enough, I cannot take Abilify in pill form because it causes akathisia. I have tried every psychiatric drug there is, and nothing has gotten me to where I am today except Abilify Maintena."

• Bio...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I received an injection to treat my bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Before getting the shot, I researched the reviews and learned that drowsiness was a common side effect. I have also noticed a slight slowing of my motor skills. It is important to note that the shot amplifies the effects of normal Abilify pill dosages. Initially, I was excited about the shot as it promised to help with my delusions and improve my functionality. However, I would advise making sure you have a strong reason for taking the shot, as it can make you feel sluggish. Overall, it is important to consider the potential side effects and weigh them against the benefits before making a decision."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 >> 75 kg) (I am 5'0') - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep. Tight tendons and walking difficulty. Difficulty with memory and concentration. On higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses. Tendency to shuffle feet and prone to falls."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 >> 75 kg) (I am 5'0') - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep. Tight tendons and walking difficulty. Difficulty with memory and concentration. On higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses. Tendency to shuffle feet and prone to falls."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 to 75 kg) (I am 5'0") - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep. Tight tendons and walking difficulty. Difficulty with memory and concentration. Urinary difficulties (frequency, urgency). On higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses. Tendency to shuffle feet and prone to falls. Suicidal due to no energy to do anything useful. No sex drive, emotionally flat. I hate taking this medication, and I don't get a choice. Every time I started to come off it, my husband would begin domestic violence and drive me back onto it."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 to 75 kg) (I am 5'0") - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep. Tight tendons and walking difficulty. Difficulty with memory and concentration. Urinary difficulties (frequency, urgency). On higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses. Tendency to shuffle feet and prone to falls. Suicidal due to no energy to do anything useful. No sex drive, emotionally flat. I hate taking this medication, and I don't get a choice. Every time I started to come off it, my husband would begin domestic violence and drive me back onto it."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 >> 75 kg) (I am 5'0') - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep - tight tendons and walking difficulty - difficulty with memory and concentration - on higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 >> 75 kg) (I am 5'0') - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep - tight tendons and walking difficulty - difficulty with memory and concentration - on higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 to 75 kg) (I am 5'0') - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep. Tight tendons and walking difficulty. Difficulty with memory and concentration. Urinary difficulties (frequency, urgency). On higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses. Tendency to shuffle feet and prone to falls. Suicidal due to no energy to do anything useful. I hate taking this medication, and I don't get a choice. Every time I started to come off it, my husband would begin domestic violence and drive me back onto it."

• FMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2024

"Continual weight gain (from 47 to 75 kg) (I am 5'0') - lack of energy to do normal tasks or healthy meal prep. Tight tendons and walking difficulty. Difficulty with memory and concentration. Urinary difficulties (frequency, urgency). On higher doses, could hardly get out of bed. Too fatigued to do many normal tasks, even at the lowest doses. Tendency to shuffle feet and prone to falls. Suicidal due to no energy to do anything useful. I hate taking this medication, and I don't get a choice. Every time I started to come off it, my husband would begin domestic violence and drive me back onto it."