Abilify User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• 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."

• Joh...
• June 26, 2014

For Depression "I was really hesitant to take Abilify after being on Zoloft and later Wellbutrin without noticing effects, but I did anyways and within a few days, I started noticing effects. I feel surprisingly good now. I find myself doing chores like washing dishes or my laundry and realize that usually I would just slump around saying 'I'll do it tomorrow' until I'm nearly out of clean clothes or dishes. I find myself singing to songs on the radio and my mood is not only noticeably better, but remarkably and incredibly better. I haven't noticed any side effects except maybe that I'm a bit hungrier than usual - for instance, I'll feel hungry and get a meal but not be able to finish it. So far, excellent results. Only about 2 weeks in."

• Jol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2020

For Autism "My young adult autistic son has recently begun taking Abilify at 2ml liquid per day, and it is nothing short of a miracle. We have had years of aggression - hitting, biting, and smashing our home. He is still the same autistic boy with his usual traits, but the aggression is GONE. Tried Risperidone previously, which did nothing, so don't give up... different meds work for different people. He has been taking this for 6 weeks so far."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2020

For Depression "Been on Abilify 7.5 mg in conjunction with Cymbalta and Lamictal, and boy has it made a difference in my mood. I've had major unipolar depression over the years, and am in the process of recovering from a severe episode. I am able to function so much better in life. No apparent side effects from Abilify either."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I feel like a new woman on Abilify! I have Bipolar II, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I have tried Lithium (gained too much weight and my thyroid went wacky), Lamictal (skin rash), and Topamax (which I currently take 50 mg at night to counteract the possible side effect of weight gain with Abilify). I have NOT gained any weight on Abilify! I was hesitant to take it, and now I’m kicking myself for not starting it sooner because I feel amazing! I have energy, depression and anxiety are GONE, and my bipolar symptoms have vanished. This is a miracle drug for me! Give it a try if you are questioning it because I wish I would have tried it sooner! I’m 46 years old and I am 5’10” and weigh 165 pounds with a BMI of 24 (Average)."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "The best, simplest thing I can say about Abilify is this: two weeks into taking it, I suddenly wanted again. It was a feeling I didn’t know I missed, but I wanted to do things again. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt genuine motivation like that. I have both persistent depression and am in a major depressive episode. I have high levels of apathy and low levels of energy. For the first time in a very long time, I don’t feel like I have to fight my body to do anything. I feel good. It’s enough to make me cry — and not because I’m bursting into depression tears. The speed at which it has had an effect is also a relief. I feel better, and it’s been almost immediate. I haven’t been on it long. No side effects so far. On a low dose (2mg); psychiatrist intends to increase it soon. If experience changes significantly on increase, I will leave another review."

• Bug...
• February 28, 2014

For Depression "I have treatment-resistant major depression. I was already on Zoloft 200mg and Wellbutrin 300mg. Still cried all the time and had the sense of despair. Started Abilify 2mg, and now I don't cry for no reason, and the sense of despair has been much less often. Also, it got rid of my anxiety almost completely. At first, I had major gas, but that went away. I also sweated like crazy, and that has gone away. I would probably be dead if I didn't have this medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2014

For Depression "This medication has been fantastic. My depression was pretty significant as there was nothing I wanted to do anymore other than go to sleep at night. I felt like my life was gone. Someone took it. After seeing the reviews on here, I started taking Abilify (10 mg) and it works fantastic. I started to notice a difference on the second day and I have now been on it for three weeks. I feel great. I feel like my life is back and I want to do things again. It does make you sleepy so I take it at night before I go to bed. I had a very slight increase in hunger but it was totally manageable. As long as you don't feed your face every time you feel hungry, and you stick to your normal eating amount and schedule, you won't gain any weight."

• Bim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2013

For Depression "I'm 32 and have been diagnosed with depression since I was about 21. I know that I was depressed way before then, but did not have the diagnosis nor knew what depression was. I was on Celexa 40mg and lithium 600mg for about 4 years. I was functional, but there was a dimension of life that I knew was missing. I did not have a taste for life. A few weeks ago, I had another major depression episode and found myself bed bound. Could not get out of bed. Would sleep for hours on end; I no longer counted days. My trichotillomania had returned with a vengeance, and it brought a binge eating disorder to boot. Psychiatrist prescribed Abilify. It has been 4 days since I have taken my first dose (2mg) and I already feel like I am healed. I smiled."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve had major depressive disorder for years. The past 3 years I’ve had weeks where I wouldn’t move out of bed except to go to the bathroom, get a bottle of water, and that’s it. I was wasting away. My doctor said I was malnourished. I didn’t care about anything, anyone, or myself. I’ve started seeing a psychiatrist and therapist for almost 2 years but had yet to find the right meds. Then, about 3 months ago, my psychiatrist put me on Abilify. I went from 5mg to 7.5 to now 10mg. I take it along with Remeron and Lamictal. I feel better than I have in years. So far, no side effects. This is like the sun I’ve been searching for for many years. Happy tears. Honestly, it saved my marriage."

• Son...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2020

For Depression "I was on Abilify a grand total of 10 days before I had to stop. It's hard to describe how anxious/claustrophobic/panicky/nauseous I felt in that short amount of time. My suicidal thoughts spiked due to the intensity of the fever dream-like delirium. It felt like I was trapped on a roller coaster inside my own head, nauseous and ready to hurl, yet I couldn't get off. I guess you could say my depression subsided, but that's because my mind simply couldn't focus on anything besides how horrendous I felt. I've only ever suffered from anxiety and depression, but Abilify made me feel truly psychotic."

• HRu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2021

For Depression "I have been on 2mg of Abilify on top of 450mg Wellbutrin XL for two weeks now… have been on Wellbutrin for a decade and it never seemed to truly nip my MDD down. Let me tell you, I’m the angry, irritable kind of depressed person and it has helped me quite a lot thus far but I’m increasing up to 5mg tomorrow. I’m excited to just take the medication because I know it helps me and I’m so stoked to go to 5mg! It’s a wonder drug for me and I feel like I’m getting my life back."

• Par...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 25, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I am diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and in my 20s suffered through 3 major manic psychotic episodes, which led to at least month-long hospitalizations each time. After the first episode, I was put on Zyprexa, in which I felt zombified and depressed, which led me to go off of it entirely. Less than a year later, I was hospitalized again, and at that point, I was introduced to Abilify. Three years passed during which I was stable. I then went off of it, which led to my third and final hospitalization. Ever since then, I took the 20mg tablets religiously and would soon combine it with Lamictal. This combo has worked wonders for me. Years ago, a doctor told me that I’m on the Rolls Royce of bipolar medication, and I firmly agree. About a year ago, I started taking the 400mg injection, which helped me lose at least 30 pounds. I find the injection the most effective method of taking Abilify. It has been a lifesaver for me!"

• bri...
• February 25, 2014

For Depression "Been on all sorts of meds for depression for about 15 years. I am 41 now and just started taking Abilify about 8 days ago. I started feeling better after 3 days. I have more energy and just feel so much better. I hope this helps. This medicine really works."

• Koo...
• June 18, 2014

For Depression "I have suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression for years and have been on many different meds. The longest being Luvox. I decided to see a new psychiatrist, and she took me off of the Luvox and put me on Prozac, gradually increasing it to 60mg daily. OCD improved, but depression and GAD didn't. She then put me on 2mg Abilify added to my Prozac daily. In three days, I started seeing improvement and feeling better than I have in many years. Life had been a struggle for me for so long, and now I feel better than I have in years. I sure hope and pray that I continue to feel this way. Yes, my appetite has increased, and I am gaining some much-needed weight. I would still prefer these minor side effects than to go back to the old me. I give Abilify a 10."

• jsm...
• June 16, 2010

For Depression "This drug has DRASTICALLY improved my life. I hope it keeps working! I battled depression and anxiety for 15 years tried dozens of drugs, no drugs, diets, therapy, you name it. I even self-medicated with alcohol for a short while. Recently, my depression and anxiety got so bad I gained 30 pounds, couldn't get out of bed, and was suicidal. On Abilify, I feel normal, a feeling I haven't had in a long time. I'm motivated to make the most of my day, the crying spells and suicidal ideation have stopped, and I sleep like a baby. I had just about given up on medication, thinking they may be the root of my increased depression, but Abilify has been a lifesaver! No negative side effects for me!"

• jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2021

For Schizophrenia "I've been on Abilify for about five days. And I noticed a big change. I'm not having any intrusive/destructive thoughts. I'm not hearing voices. Even my dreams have gotten better. So, I WOULD DEF RECOMMEND!"

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2008

For Depression "Something just clicked after I started taking this medication. I’ve suffered depression my whole adulthood and nothing seemed to do much of anything. Less than a week taking Abilify, I wanted to be active; I'm happier, and more outgoing. So far, no noticeable weight gain."

• gar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2014

For Depression "Tried many different antidepressants for depression and anxiety. Ended up on 45 Remeron and 2 mg of Abilify. Worked after 2 days. After months of debilitating depression and anxiety! I am so thankful. Was worried about taking an antipsychotic, because I'm not bipolar or psychotic. Got over that as soon as I saw results. Will take this medicine as long as needed. Miracle truly!"

• Ang...
• May 24, 2013

For Depression "I suffered from extreme depression a year ago, months on end. I tried everything and was on the verge of requesting hospitalization. I took every medicine out there and then my doctor prescribed 2mg of Abilify to augment the Remeron I was on. In 1 day, the nightmare was over. 1 day after months of such severe anguish that I wanted out! Today, I ran into a pharmacist from my pharmacy while out and about. She told me that her customers who are starting Abilify are reporting that their life is changed, etc. I see from the posts here that not everyone has a life-changing experience, but I can tell you it was a lifesaver for me. If you are at your wits' end, try this as an adjunct to your current medicine. It might be the ticket out of your suffering."

• Dav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 7, 2014

For Autism "My stepson is now 13 years old and has been on 5mg dosage of Abilify for about 2-3 years. We discovered it when we saw a commercial for a study involving autistic children with aggressive tendencies. Since then, his behavior has improved 100% at both home and school. The only side effect, as mentioned by others, is weight gain. To this I say, take a more active role in your kid's diet and force him/her to exercise. This will offset the side-effects while still reaping the benefits."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I finally got in to see a bona fide psychiatrist after seeing a LCSW for 4 yrs trying to find an antidepressant that would get me out of my vegetative state. He suggested Abilify. After 8 days on 5 mg, I almost feel like living. I am doing things/projects I've put off forever. I am on 45 mg Remeron and 5 mg Abilify. And I am starting to feel great and hope it continues. I had lost hope, but I knew there must be something that would give me some motivation because I had none at all. I am 76 and have been depressed for the past 20. I think it's time to enjoy life again!"

• Abi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 8, 2013

For Depression "For the past 20 years, I have been on antidepressants, the longest being Remeron. Along with the depression, I have had periods of intense anxiety, unbelievably intense, to the extent that I could not stand to be here. In December of 2011, I was in the throes of anxiety, and my psych doc suggested 2mg of Abilify (in addition to the Remeron). My anxiety was GONE in a day, and it has stayed GONE. My depression is gone as well. My pharmacist has told me that others have had a similar experience and are as amazed as I am. I can't say enough about this medicine, amazing, just amazing."

• Oli...
• May 13, 2014

For Depression "I had moderate to severe depression on and off, mostly on, for years. Nothing seemed to work, until I tried Abilify. I take about 2-3 mg a day. I have been on it for five years now with no side effects and no recurrence of depression symptoms."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "I cannot believe it. For the first time in my entire life, I am not tormented and overwhelmed by my own thoughts. I have never been able to think so clearly. I checked into PHP because I was constantly running, avoiding, quitting jobs, overspending, etc., and I was in trouble. Now, after a week of only 2 mg of this drug, I feel like I can conquer the world again."