Aripiprazole for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 7, 2013

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I have suffered from major depression since I was a child, and my psychiatrist put me on Abilify 10mg after a suicide attempt. This medicine has helped me tremendously! I actually have energy and motivation now, and without Abilify, I don't know where I would be today. The only side effect I have noticed is some shaking but not too bad. I told my psychiatrist about it, and she put me on Cogentin 1mg, which helps a lot with the shaking! I would definitely recommend this medicine!"

• Leedo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2017

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I am 6’4 185 pounds and had 2mg generic ABILIFY added to my 450 mg Wellbutrin. It works. I could feel the improvement within a week. I have more energy and motivation to do things. I don’t dwell on negative things as much as before. It appears that low doses of this drug are the best as an adjunct to antidepressants for depression compared to higher doses. Higher doses are better for the other indications. It does seem to be somewhat constipating for me and others have different G.I. side effects. But the benefits far outweigh any transient side effects."

• Isla
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I was sleeping up to 15 hours a day on this drug; I would leave work early nearly every single day because I was so exhausted. If there were any positive changes to my mood, I didn't notice because I was either sleeping or half-asleep 75% of the time."

• Rand
• November 8, 2015

Abilify (aripiprazole) "My anxiety and then depression began about 4 months ago. I didn't want to get out of bed, and had compulsive negative thoughts, no energy or motivation, and couldn't sleep, lost 20 pounds. I was prescribed Lexapro generic. This med did almost nothing for 3 months. Within a week of adding Abilify generic, most symptoms changed. I feel much better, have appetite, better energy, optimism, more like me, and motivated to get out of bed when I wake up... which is great."

• Shals...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2017

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I have experienced depression for years now and nothing seemed to work or I would get all of the side effects. A few weeks ago, my Dr. prescribed Abilify and wow, it works. I am taking 5mg a day currently. I say give it a try. It improved my mood and my depression after a few days. It has given me a better quality of life with my 10-year-old son. It has pulled me out of the dark. I hope it keeps working."

• Nicklay
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2021

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I suffered from severe anxious depression for almost 2 years. I even spent $4000.00 in early 2019 out of pocket for a series of ketamine injections. I was a full non-responder to ketamine for depression. Less than 2 months ago I started 2mg Abilify added to my 50mg Zoloft, in just 7 or 8 days my depression was GONE as was my catastrophic anxiety filled thinking patterns. I'm now on 4mg Abilify along with 50mg Zoloft. Abilify has literally changed my life 100 percent in such a short time. I have ME back!!"

• Just...
• March 26, 2014

Abilify (aripiprazole) "So this stuff worked wonders on depression. I couldn't believe how fast it worked and how much better it made me feel, and I mean like in less than a week! BUT the bad news for me, I had a rare side effect, the first one of my psychiatrist's patients to ever get it and he had to look it up to confirm that it was being caused by the medication (although I knew it was for sure)... It made me go blind! I don't mean black out blind, but rather it made it so my pupils couldn't dilate and constrict properly so I couldn't focus my eyesight enough to even read anymore. So, 10 days after starting it I stopped and luckily 3 days after stopping my eyes started to return to normal, but that freaked me out beyond belief!!! Worked great for depression."

• Melly
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I started Abilify approximately 6 weeks ago , 2 mg. I had finally found a drug to help me, I was happy, busy, catching up on things I had let go. Then I noticed my legs were very weak, I thought I was anemic again, or was it a statin for my cholesterol (so) I had to see my neurologist for dystonia, I told him about my legs, he had me do different motions with arms and legs, and told me to get off of this Abilify, it had affected the Dopamine in my brain, which has caused Parkinsonism and will last 6 months to 1 and a 1/2 years. When I walk I’m exhausted and when I can I use a scooter. I’m so sad and upset this medicine worked, but very bad side affect."

• Loloo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2014

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Abilify has truly changed my life. Before I started taking it, I was crying every day for hours. A day, I felt a sadness for what seemed like no reason, and it just would not go away. I started with 2.5mg and felt no change, but at 5mg I felt a drastic improvement in my mood. I take it in addition to Adderall XR for ADHD. I was taking Vistaril for my anxiety, but that doesn't do anything but make you ridiculously tired, so I just got Klonopin, going to give that a try. My only drawback to Abilify is that for me it makes me very tired, so I take it at night."

• Sa1159
• April 10, 2013

Abilify (aripiprazole) "After thinking that antidepressants were just a huge money maker for the pharmaceutical industry, I was prescribed 2mg of Abilify in combination with Wellbutrin (300mg) and 10mg of Prozac. I feel like a new man. I just hope that the effects don't wear off over time."

• Anony...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 11, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I’m presently weaning myself off of 2mg of Abilify. I’ve been on it for 8 years and in those 8 years I lost interest in things I enjoyed such as reading and hiking. My mind races so I can’t concentrate if I try and read. I feel out of touch with the outdoors. I’m just existing. I’m not depressed or manic just numb and my sex life is a disaster . I have to force myself to have sex with my husbands and pretend everything is fine but I’m just not into it. My mind is numb. I want to feel again.... live again. My concerns are that I may go hypomanic and crash into a depression . If I crash into a depression I would use it just for those months only. I’m currently taking Wellbutrin and clonazapam. I really hope this works out."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2009

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I developed Tardive Dyskinesia and Dystonia after having taken Abilify (for too long apparently). It has made my life far more difficult. I am posting this because I just want to make people more aware that this happens so it doesn't happen to them if they can avoid it."

• Sunsh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2020

Abilify (aripiprazole) "This drug Abilify made me gain 60 lbs over 3.5 years. It did nothing for me. Be aware. It will make you want to eat!!! This did absolutely nothing for me. Finally came off of it and feeling better then when I was on it."

• Spm
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2024

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Been on Prozac for 10 years. Depression and anxiety under control but I have been very listless, uninspired, and unmotivated for a few years. Started Abilify a week ago, and what a difference! I'm feeling happier, motivated, and excited about life again. I do get a bit tired midday, but I hope that will wear off. I'm so relieved this is working."

• jen
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2013

Abilify (aripiprazole) "After 7 weeks on Lexapro & seeing no change at all in depression or anxiety, my primary care doc switched me to Abilify (only). I was on Abilify previously with Remeron and did well. I was told by doc on Friday 7/19 that I should start feeling better by Monday & he was right! I feel almost like myself again. Wake up a few times during the night, but am able to go right back to sleep. Still have some anxiety in the mornings (it used to be debilitating and would have to take 1mg of Ativan to calm down). This morning I only had to take 0.5 of the Ativan, so I think this is really working good. I also just got a new small dog on Sunday, which I'm sure helps also with the depression/anxiety but the change is so great I had to share."

• Mano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I was on Abilify for a short time. I was instructed to take it before bedtime which I did. The medication would cause me to wake up and feel extremely restless, anxious and claustrophobic to the point where I’d have to switch which room I was sleeping in due to how uncomfortable I felt. Never even made it passed the first week."

• Sultan
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2023

Abilify (aripiprazole) "This medicine is one of the best medicines I've ever taken. IT'S PRETTY MARVELOUS! It helps you for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. It calms your mind. I definitely recommend this drug and I think that you should give it a try."

• Magnus
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "A few days in of taking abilify and my depression was literally blown away after 15 years in a depression. My mouth got very, very dry so stopped using it. Now the effect has gone away but I'll start today again."

• Tracey...
• February 9, 2018

Abilify (aripiprazole) "After suffering with depression for 10 years this has finally helped me. I also take wellbutrin 300mg I hated being on SSRI's cause of the weight gain and lack of sex drive which is not a problem with these drugs I'm so thankful for abilify 5mg it has given me my life back!"

• Anony...
• May 16, 2023

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I started taking Abilify two weeks ago. I checked myself into psychiatric urgent care, where I spent the next couple of weeks doing outpatient. I was so iffy about taking Abilify since I have never been on medication before. I believe I was going through psychosis. I have severe depression/anxiety, Ptsd, and Social anxiety. I believe my last traumatic event brought everything to the forefront. Prescribed me 2.5 mg and in the last few days they upped it to 5 mg and wow I have never felt this good before. I also take my antidepressant Zoloft. I have Ativan as well for when I feel my anxiety is too much or if I cannot fall asleep. I’ve always been iffy about medication but it helps. It truly does. There are chemical imbalances in our brains. I believe mine was affecting me completely mentally and physically as well. Also, my skin has never been this clear in a very long time. My mind feels so much calmer. No overthinking, no intrusive thoughts, no paranoia, etc. Abilify saved me!"

• Leandre
• September 1, 2015

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Taking this in conjunction with Wellbutrin and Buspar gave me my life back. My mood is stable, I'm happy, excited, and not over the top either. The trade name really describes this medication well that's for sure. However, this isn't for everyone. Also I must note the first 5 days kind of suck. I felt like my head was spinning and I felt nauseated like I was on a roller coaster all the time. Never threw up though. SO glad I stuck with it though. Well worth it in the end."

• Deealt
• February 5, 2017

Abilify (aripiprazole) "First I was afraid to start on this drug, I tried respiredone it was horrible - I had nightmares and fatigue, and I felt verry foggy. Doctor put me on abilify 2.5 mg in addition to effexor 300mg it works very well it gave me stability never been stable for long, no ups and downs it made my days better and really lift my mood! When I tried to stop I went into anxiety and depression so now I decide to go back on it. It really worth trying! No side affects except little fatigue. Life savior. No mood swings"

• coolmom
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 5, 2013

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Abilify, along with Prozac, has worked amazingly for me. But there is a downside to using Abilify. WEIGHT GAIN! Once I started it, my appetite increased like crazy, and now I've gained about 60 lbs. It's like, do I want to quit taking it and go 'crazy' but be thin or keep taking it and be fat and happy, literally!"

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2012

Abilify (aripiprazole) "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!"

• Holly
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2013

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Abilify has been a life saver to me. Initially there were side effects, but I was determined to stick with it and in time, they went away. I've been on a combination of different antidepressants which just didn't seem to be working. It seems that over time, they lose their effectiveness. The depression, anxiety, and panic attacks became so bad that I couldn't get out of bed, sleeping all day and staying awake all night. I had no desire or motivation to do anything. I began to become aware of suicidal thoughts which scared me. My doctor decided to add 2 mg of Abilify to my regimen and it has worked like a miracle. My only concern is that I am still feeling some anxiety, restlessness, and occasional panic which may be from the Abilify."