Abilify Maintena and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Clo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Abilify 400 mg injection at first made me so anxious and felt suicidal. My doctors said it wasn't the drug, it was my depression and anxiety. They persisted with it, as I'm not compliant with tablets. I have bipolar 1 with psychosis. It has helped with psychosis, but the side effects are destroying me. Extreme lethargy and total numbness, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It has made me gain weight also, despite daily exercise. I have no libido whatsoever anymore. When I complain to the psychiatrist, they just say it's not supposed to do that, there must be another reason for these things. I also feel like I have no memory but have impulses to gamble and spend money. I have no energy to fight anymore, it's so sad and disgusting that my quality of life is not a factor to these people, doctors, etc. As long as I'm not in the ward, it's all that matters to them."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 10, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "This stuff is ugly, it numbs all feelings and desires. I sleep for about 12 to 14 hours. The weight gain is crazy, sexual side effects too. I took this stuff for a year and a half, then stopped cold turkey with no problem. I wouldn't recommend this Abilify Maintena or ever take it again."

• Dee...
• August 25, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been diagnosed with comorbid bipolar II and ADHD. It has been such a struggle, trying different cocktails. The reason I give Abilify a 5 is because it had treated my bipolar II, I have not had any manic episodes within the past 5 months I’ve received the 400 mg injection. However, I am starting to feel that numb and empty feeling again (no sex drive and not many pleasant emotions either). It’s so miserable, I wish it was a faster process instead of having to wait until my next doctor's appointment to tell him to take me off this or at least lower my dose. From previous experience, I do not stop a medication without consulting my doctor, and I would highly recommend doing the same as it can lead to detriment in your life if you have manic episodes such as myself. Right now, though, I wish I could just stop it so I have more energy. I’m also on Lamictal and Dexedrine. I won’t give up, and I hope that those of you struggling can remain resilient in your search for a cure."

• 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."

• Hon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 2, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Abilify Maintena is the only medication that works for my bipolar I. The only noticeable side effect is decreased libido. Great for people like me who are not med compliant with pills."