Abilify and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2019

For Depression "My primary diagnosis is OCD with anxiety, but for the last six months, I've been in a deep depressive episode, consumed by intrusive thoughts and hopelessness. Note: I was not on any medication at the time. My psych suggested that I try Abilify, taken alone. I was highly skeptical of it working, especially at such a low dose (2 mg). However, on day three, it was like someone had flipped a switch in my brain and suddenly I was able to see the positive or neutral side of things, not just the negative. I didn't realize just how depressed I had been until this medication helped lift me up. My OCD symptoms are still there, but my improved mood allows for me to handle them much better. No weight gain so far. Decreased appetite. Mild insomnia that seems to be fading after two weeks. Some increased desire to shop, but I'm trying to be conscious of and stop any impulses."

• HB1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2017

For Depression "I have had chronic mild depression for most of my adult life. I took Prozac for over 20 years but it really didn't help. I was then prescribed Citalopram 40 mg, which did make a positive impact on my depression. When it wasn't quite enough, my doctor prescribed 2 mg of Abilify - which I have been taking for over 3 weeks. I can only say that this med works. I have never ever been a 'morning person', but since I started on Abilify, I have been getting up very early and taking on the day with a lot of energy and positivity. In my view, this medication does work as a supplement to existing antidepressant medication. Only side effect experienced thus far is mild insomnia (no weight gain at all - at least so far)."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I had so many horrible experiences with meds for my bipolar. It scared me to try one more but I'm now on 2mg of Abilify once daily and found my old self again after a very long time living an unbearable life. The only side effect is slight insomnia and I'm losing the ton of weight that I gained while on Seroquel. Abilify saved my life."

• yes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2014

For Depression "I have suffered with depression since I was 12 years old. Knowing manic episodes would pass, I still kept thinking I absolutely couldn't live my life this way. I tried everything - Prozac, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Lexapro, and Seroquel. Finally, after going back and forth with antidepressants, we decided to try Strattera with clonazepam instead of an antidepressant. For 10 months, I did fine until a few weeks ago when I had the longest and one of the worst manic episodes yet. Bed-bound and showerless every weekend. My doctor decided to try the Abilify 2.5mg. The first 2 days I was VERY irritable. I couldn't sleep at all, slowly those side effects are going away. I cannot describe how great I feel now, sleep still interrupted but much better."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Abilify (2.5 mg daily) for 3 weeks now for MDD. I also take Effexor XR and have for several months now. After one week on the Abilify, I began to have a dramatic change in my motivation. I keep myself busy now, whereas before I struggled to do simple tasks. I do struggle with sleeping now. I used to be able to go to sleep anytime I wanted to with no trouble. Now I cannot sleep. I wake up by midnight and spend the rest of the night doing things like painting or online shopping! I cannot sleep. I hope this side effect is temporary. I started taking 3 mg of melatonin before bed, but that only helps a little bit. The other side effect during the night is night sweats. It is only after I fall asleep that the sweating occurs. When I wake up, I am soaked in my sweat, not too different than when a fever breaks. As much as I want my ability to sleep back, I will continue to take the Abilify because it is changing my life for the better. I no longer sleep all day or lack motivation."

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2012

For Depression "I started this medicine a week ago and found that I actually have energy again. After years of being so tired after work, I have to drag myself through the evening just waiting and wishing to go to bed. Now I can play with my kids, do some housework, and even relax for a while after I have accomplished so many things. I have done more in a week than in the last month. And I feel like planning things (like outings with friends and vacations) and I am excited about them instead of feeling like it was just another thing I HAD to do. I have had a little insomnia, but I find if I take it in the morning, I am okay by evening and sleep fairly well. I think and am eating more, so I will have to watch. Overall, good experience, hope it lasts!"

• Anonymous
• August 27, 2011

For Autism "My 10-year-old son was on Risperdal, and it was horrible for him. He started taking 2mg Abilify along with Celexa, and in 2 months at school, he was doing 70% better. This medication did make his appetite increase, and he did gain weight, but not too much weight. Once his body got used to it, he began to have trouble sleeping, so his doctor increased his dosage to 4mg a day, 2mg in the morning and 2mg at night. He is sleeping well again, and his appetite seems to have stabilized. This medicine has been great for my son."

• RyR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was exhausted and depressed with what mimicked chronic fatigue syndrome. I could barely stay awake every day, and getting through the workday was next to impossible. I also counterintuitively had horrible insomnia and took as many non-addictive meds, such as Seroquel, Melatonin, and Hydroxyzine, to get to sleep. Even with these meds, I still could barely get to sleep and stay asleep. I started back on my Abilify at 5 mg two weeks ago, and it’s changed my life. I now naturally wake up every day at 7 (ish) and have cut my sleep meds in half. I don’t take my Hydroxyzine anymore. I sleep throughout the night. I still drink coffee because I like it. But I am drinking 10 times less coffee now. I used to just down coffee in hopes that it would help my chronic fatigue, but it was to no avail. I’m not jittery. I’m not wired. I’m just alert and awake. I’m also less depressed."

• Jam...
• April 3, 2008

For Depression "I was withdrawn since my last psychotic break, and this medication seems to be what fixed that. There was no weight gain. There was some trouble sleeping for the first two weeks. Overall, I'd say this is the best antipsychotic I have tried."

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2020

For Agitated State "Been on Abilify 2 mg for one week. Started Abilify to help with PTSD and lupus. Periods of high anxiety cause my lupus to flare. No anxiety = no lupus. Anxiety is gone, which is wonderful, but it's been replaced with nausea. It's not bad enough to cause vomiting, just annoying. I have no appetite and have lost 4 pounds so far. Some trouble sleeping. I take melatonin to help with that. I hope the nausea goes away. If it does, Abilify could be the one for me."

• Liz...
• December 29, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I took Trileptal by itself for a long time. That helped at first, but I never quite felt normal. I then hit a stressful point in my life and began having a lot of mania and depression. I started neglecting my meds, feeling hopeless. My doctor then suggested I take Abilify 5 mg in addition to the Trileptal. After seeing reviews about weight gain, increased mania, etc., I was wary about trying it, but I decided to. I have not gained any weight from the med (I am 5’4", 115 lbs, young female). The first few days I was switching rapidly between manic and depressed and had a lot of insomnia. However, after about 3-4 days, I noticed for the first time in 5 years I feel like myself again. I haven’t been this leveled and happy in so long. I rarely have depressive or manic episodes, which is something I thought was impossible. Definitely give this a try and don’t be discouraged by the first few days. It’s so worth it."

• Hil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on 5 mg Abilify for 5 months. I had frequent muscle spasms, insomnia, nauseous, lost weight, very restless, crying spells, worse anxiety, and no appetite. Ended up with an electrolyte imbalance and frequent dehydration. I’m taking nothing now and feel normal again. Thank God for THC!"

• ass...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2018

For Depression "I absolutely hate Abilify. I cannot stay still, I feel like I have to be doing something constantly. Even when I am doing something, I feel the need to lay down all the time. I get super bad shakes, super sweaty all the time, and bad insomnia. I can't even eat anymore, this medication makes me feel like not myself. I'm glad it has worked well for other people, but this just isn't for me. Even when I'm off of it, I still feel the same. I'm not sure how long it takes to get out of your system."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2019

For Depression "Started this 3 weeks ago. First week took 2.5 mg once daily. Felt almost immediately better, that faded after the first week when I was instructed to go to 5 mg. One daily. After 3 weeks, I’m still depressed, just not quite as bad: insomnia, increased appetite, weight gain 3 lbs, a feeling I can’t sit still, difficulty focusing. Joint and muscle aches, fatigue, and binge shopping on the internet. It’s not helping with suicidal ideations. I’m getting off it."

• LDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Abilify 2 mg 12/18-02/19, along with 20 mg of Lexapro. First 10 days, I felt euphoric, energetic, motivated, excited about life. Well, it came to a screeching halt. I was fidgety, pacing back and forth, would sit and wiggle my feet and legs, was gaining weight, wasn't sleeping, and thought I was going crazy. I continued to take it for another 6 weeks to give it a chance. That was a mistake. It was all I could do to make it through a whole workday. I thought I was going out of my mind. I have been off it for 2 years and still have mild side effects, still fidgety, have restless feet and legs, and don't sleep much. As for depression, I feel I was better off before Abilify than now. I appreciate that it has been a wonderful drug for many, but where there are so many uncertainties about its effects, I would research it thoroughly before taking it. I don't think most doctors, including psychiatrists, have the slightest clue how horrible this drug is for most. I would never recommend it to anyone."

• NeG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "My diagnosis was atypical depression (a type of MDD) and was prescribed Abilify paired with Lamictal. My Abilify dose was a 5mg pill per day. From day one that I took it, I became incredibly irritated. I felt agitated and restless almost immediately. I was so restless, like I was itching from inside my chest and soul, I don't know how to describe it. I couldn't eat, couldn't feel hungry, slept fewer hours, had insomnia, felt stressed, felt anxious, and constantly felt nauseous/stomach pain. The only benefit was that I had intense energy to get up and move, but it didn't feel nice. My motivation for getting up was because of how irritated I got when I lay down or rested. Working out would help but never enough to calm down my restlessness. Overall, I gave it a chance for 1 month (plus a few days of withdrawing it with the assistance of my psychiatrist), and it didn't get any better over time. Horrible experience."

• tes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 2, 2020

For Schizophrenia "I couldn't sleep on Abilify, and the anxiety was horrible. I wasn't able to go to work as I was terribly afraid of all the people. I developed a fear of acting out on this drug. It's been more than 6 months now that I've stopped this drug, and the fear is still very present but a bit reduced. I can go to work again, but I am still very much afraid of social interactions."

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2021

For Agitated State "I have been suffering major anxiety and fear since puberty. It got much worse after having a child. After trying SSRIs, I felt like a zombie with no motivation. I used to drink alcohol a lot to suppress the anxiety too, which led to tons of problems in my life. Since taking Abilify, I feel like a normal person! I feel like the person I wanted to be. It has increased my appetite a lot, and the first week I couldn’t sleep, but now after a couple of weeks I’m calm and sleeping well. I’m afraid of the weight gain associated with this drug, but a few extra pounds is better than crippling anxiety and substance abuse."

• Not...
• February 6, 2011

For Depression "Abilify has given me my life back. I still suffer from insomnia, and Abilify hasn't made it better, but I'm happier, can keep my thoughts on track, have more energy, and want to socialize like I used to. My depression is gone. I combine this with Cymbalta, and both have been miracle medicines for me."

• Gab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed Abilify for depression/bipolar disorder, and after taking it for only 3 days, I had some of the worst side effects I have ever experienced on a medication. Muscle spasms, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, complete loss of appetite, stomach pain, pain in joints and muscles, full body ache, extremely intense manic episodes, heart racing, anxiety, shaky hands, and feeling extremely foggy and unable to form proper sentences or think critically. This is the worst drug I've ever tried. If you have depression, just stick to SSRIs."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Abilify was great at first. Anxiety and obsessive and ruminating thoughts slowed down a lot for the first month on 2 mg. Once my dose was increased to 4 mg, everything went downhill. I developed anhedonia and worse anxiety. Even after I dropped my dose for a few months, things didn't get better. I stopped taking Abilify, and just when I thought things couldn't get worse, they did. Within a week of stopping, I developed severe insomnia, anxiety, and an insidious inner restlessness. The anhedonia has also remained 2 months later. I would gladly go back to the depression that Abilify was prescribed to treat in exchange to be done with the lasting negative effects of Abilify. Please do not take this for MDD, and please do not stop taking it suddenly if you are already on it."

• B s...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2015

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I was recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at 30 years of age. I've been on 30 different medications, ranging in all of the psychotropic medication spectrum. Abilify, at 10 mg, has stopped the delusions, paranoia, depression, and visuals. I am in full remission with the aid of Paxil and Remeron. Initially, Abilify can cause some insomnia. Ask for a sleep aid. I used Remeron for sleep. I highly recommend Abilify for schizoaffective disorder. One week should have results. Two weeks peak plasma concentration. Peace."

• Ama...
• July 16, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was VERY hesitant on taking this medication, and like most of you reading these reviews, I too was scared of what it might or might not do. All I can say, in 3 days (2 mg dose) there was a huge difference in my attitude, calmness, and overall presence in me and my thoughts. Amazing!!!! I have so much energy and love doing things again. It has been one week, and for those of you who are afraid to gain weight; you must know, I am losing weight. It has actually decreased my appetite, however, that might be because I am cautious of it and find other ways to curb cravings. One side effect I am having is NOT sleeping, although we are going through a bit of a heat wave and even air conditioning is not helping. Good luck!"

• Wes...
• October 31, 2019

For Schizophrenia "I have been taking Abilify 10 mg for a little over a month, and it has helped my motivation compared to Haldol 2 mg. I had lost interest in food and dropped to 100 lbs. I've gained 25 lbs in 6 weeks since starting this drug. My hallucinations and voices are still gone. I always feel wide awake and have been taking various things to sleep. Hoping the insomnia will pass because I am full of energy. Started working again, hopefully will continue."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed 2 mg of Abilify to take for being diagnosed with bipolar depression. I started with half the tablet in the morning, and OMG! I felt sleepy the first day and somewhat disoriented. I felt that anxious feeling you get with new meds hours later. At night, lights were so bright to me, and it also gave me insomnia. Second and third days were worse with side effects. I almost dialed 911. I was perspiring, felt lightheaded, and extremely weak. It made me feel paranoid. Had a panic attack, and the rest of the day, I felt as if I drank 6 cups of coffee. Never again! Bye Abilify!"