Aripiprazole for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

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

Abilify (aripiprazole) "My diagnosis was atypical depression (a type of MDD) and was prescribed ability paired with lamictal. My ability dose was 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 less 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 of getting up was because of how irritated I got when I lay down or rest. Working out would help but never enough the calm down my restlessness. Overall I gave 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."

• Over-...
• July 11, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Still working with Abilify, 5mg I started feeling great, then it stopped working. I am on 10mg its not working. I go to the doctors sooon. Maybe I need 15mg, I also take 450mg Wellbutrin. I'm a 54 female and I've suffered with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety from age 11. "

• Kristy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "After complete hesitation of taking Abilify added on with Lexapro I tried it and WOW it worked wonders I came out of a suicidal state within few days and I’ve lived a normal few weeks. I’m not saying that this is completely over with but I feel so much better I’ve had zero side effects from it and I am on 5 mg I was hesitant to take any kind of drug add it onto an antidepressant already but it is well worth it and I feel so much better already"

• minty...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2022

Abilify (aripiprazole) "For years I have struggled with depression (and also autism). I could hardly get out of bed most days, I had no appetite and lost a lot of weight, and was irritable all the time/getting frustrated over the smallest things. then I went on 2mg abilify, and…thank gods, this drug saved my life. I can eat again and have returned to a healthy weight, I am no longer irritated easily, and I’m even writing music again which I haven’t been able to do in years! I’m happy to say life is regaining its meaning. As for side effects, I have a handful of minor side effects like mild twitching and restlessness, but I would honestly rather deal with that than the depression. 9/10 great drug, would recommend."

• Amy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "So I've been on this drug for a few months. Still on it.... I ended up in urgent care because my blood pressure bottomed out. I feel like I can't sit down and relax, anxious (more so than my anxiety itself. . I even told my doc my symptoms and she insisted that that it was not the abilify. The symptoms got way worse from then on. I felt (now I know) horrible driving it was claustrophobia. I came home the other day from work trembling which lasted three days. I can't believe the amount of side effects there are from abilify. Oh and they upped the dose then gave me something to counteract the issues. Thank you to those who have posted I would have just thought I was crazy. Hopefully this post helps someone understand the side effects better. Please choose for yourself. There are positive reviews as well. Good luck on your decision."

• south...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2021

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I am on 10 mg of Abilify and to say that it's helped me is an understatement. It has given me my life back! I am excited when I wake up, mind you, I used to not be a morning person, well now I am! I take 10 mg tab at night and I wake up feeling refreshed, happy and ready to take on the day! No side effects for me! I absolutely love Abilify! All of my intrusive, lonely, depressing and suicidal thoughts have disappeared! It feels like how I looked at life when I was a child, happy and worry free! My thoughts are organized, I am able to function as a person, wife, daughter and mother. Stick with it and find your happy dose! Much luck to you and I hope you reap all of the great benefits that I find in Abilify!"

• Baby...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2018

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I have been on this medicine for over a month. After the first few days, I could feel that I was getting better❤️ I had lots of energy, a great attitude, depression and anxiety is gone❤️ I did have to go from 2 mg to 5 mg, because it was seeming less effective, and the transition has been good. The only bad thing is I get indigestion every day, but nothing a rolaids can’t fix. I highly recommend this medication"

• Mamac
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "For Fibromyalgia and MDD. The pain from Fibromyalgia kept me in bed or on the couch, out of work and had no interest in socializing. After taking 5 mg of Abilify daily within 2 weeks I was so much happier. I am loving life again. It is a true miracle for me, the downside I gained 15 pounds in 6 months. I’m starving myself to not gain anymore and cannot lose 1 pound therefore I rated the drug accordingly."

• ellie...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2018

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I've suffered from major depressive disorder for 4 decades and tried hundreds of various combinations of ant-depressants, stimulants, and benzos after being treated by over 13 different psychiatrists. I was finally put on Pristique, Adderall (for ADD) and 5mg of Abilify and I finally got my life back. I know the Abilify is what tipped the balance because I was on the Pristique and Adderall for 3 months and got somewhat better but still felt no motivation and couldn't turn my thoughts into action until my Dr. added the Abilify. I am now getting up and out of bed, working out, and engaging in life. My Anhedonia is gone and I have hope for my life for the first time in 20 years."

• Bake
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 3, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I love Abilify. I don't remember any side effects from when I started, but it was several years ago. I ran out once and didn't renew it on time (don't do this) and my depression went haywire. I was taking two other antidepressants (still am) so I feel like Abilify does most of the heavy lifting. An added bonus of the generic version is that with my insurance it is free every month. I didn't even know that was possible!"

• Psych...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2023

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Abilify got me out of a very dark place! I was on Zoloft 200 mg. It worked great at first, but after 11 years, I started getting suicidal and very, very depressed. We added Trazodone 50 mg and Bupropion 300 XL. After a few weeks, I felt nothing. No change, and I was losing hope. Then Abilify came through. I started 3.75 mg (tablet form), and within the first week, it started working. My mood lifted. It's been 2 weeks, and I already feel normal! This is great. Side effects for me currently are insomnia and restlessness, but it's all good. I feel good."

• Progr...
• April 29, 2016

Abilify (aripiprazole) "My 6 year old son, has been battling some "mental demons", he has been hospitilized twice, for mood swings, severe outbursts and psychosis..I still do not have an exact diagnosis. He has been on 3 different medications with minimal effectiveness.. I am a single mother, and my life has been pure hell the last 2 years dealing with these circumstances...I was at my end. I was in a complete state of perplexion on what to do...The doctors prescribed Abilify..I can not believe the difference it has made...My son enjoys his life! He smiles now! He is sweet natured! He tells me at least once a day, how much better he feels! It's only been 2 weeks, I am confident that with constant monitoring and encourgement that he will only progress from here!"

• suzis...
• August 12, 2014

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Treatment resistant depression. This medicine was the best I've tried yet. A little restless at first, but that turned into feeling somewhat exhilarated, having a stimulant effect. I dressed up every day, was social, glad to wake up. Psych nurse said I was so bright she'd need to wear shades. Alas it wore off, but everything does. No side effects, no withdrawal. A great medicine."

• Holly...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2021

Abilify (aripiprazole) "This is hands down the best medicine. I’ve been taking it for 6 months and it’s changed my life. I was suffering from depression and borderline personality disorder and it’s pretty much cured it 100%. It helps my mood so much. I use to have so much anxiety especially with relationships and now I can now hold a healthy relationship and friendships. If you’re considering taking it do it! Only side effect was it made my brain cloudy at first then went away. 10/10."

• NicoleB
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2016

Abilify (aripiprazole) "My diagnosis Panic Disorder. But I struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD and BPD as well. I've taken tons of medications to deal with my disorders. After being hospitalized for a suicide attempt, I was prescribed Wellbutrin first, which helped with suicidal tendencies. Then I was put on Lamictal (which I would also give a 10 star rating to). It made my anxiety and panic attacks vanish. However, I still felt empty. Like I had no purpose. My doctor finally put me on a low dose of Abilify. It helped, so much. It made a world of a difference in my life. I am SCARED to die now, when before I only wished I'd die. I take 15 mg now and it is amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone who hasn't had luck with traditional antidepressants."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Abilify was great for depression but the side effects were unreal. I was on Abilify for 2 months and had gained 30 pounds. That was about 3 months ago. I'm still trying to lose the weight and find a good med for my depression and anxiety. I wouldn't suggest Abilify, just because it makes you crave like crazy and there are other meds out there that won't give you crazy cravings!"

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

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Abilify was great at first. Anxiety and obsessive and ruminating thoughts slowed down a lot for the first month on 2mg. Once my dose was increased to 4mg 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."

• IKano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

Abilify (aripiprazole) "After trying a bunch of different avenues to help my depression, I was put on Abilify. Got up to 8 mg dose before I couldn’t handle the weight gain anymore. I gained 8 lbs in over a month and a half. It really did improve my mood, but once the weight gain starts, it doesn’t stop. I’ve stopped taking it. If you’re ok with packing on the lbs, do try this medication. It is effective."

• Chichi
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2022

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I was so scared to take this after I took Paxil and had a complete mania episode….scariest thing ever. Then I got put on 2mg on abilify…I’m so happy. I feel NORMAL. I don’t feel suicidal, my dissociation isn’t as bad, my social anxiety isn’t as bad. My anxiety is definitely still there but everything else. I wanna get up outta bed in the morning. Who knew I could be a morning person who wants to listen to music?! This saved my life…truly"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I have major depressiona and prescribed Abilify the Pro's: -It lifted me out of an incredibly deep depression and allowed me to feel better in a relatively quick amount of time. I was able to go back to work, and started to socialize within a week of taking the medication after months of having difficulties getting out of bed -It stopped my compulsive thoughts and thinking patterns Con's: -Feeling of restlessness on the drug, unable to enjoy downtime and relax. I always felt like I had to be doing something constantly and keep busy. -Weight gain: I was one of the 7% of people affected by this where the drug slowed down my metabolism and I gained 15lbs in six months. Even with regular exercise (three times per week) and eating healthy I still gained weight."

• kitty
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2022

Abilify (aripiprazole) "After the loss of my emotional support animal & 5 months of being completely shut off from the world and my husband. My psychiatrist started me on Abilify 5mg at first (already on Paxil, Lamictal, Adderall and clonzapam). The first 2 days were amazing my head was quiet, but the headaches were horrible, along with increased anxiety & nausea that was decreased with constant eating. So I discontinued it. We tried again at 2mg a month later since I started to self harm & was overwhelmed with life altogether without the support of my best friend. 2 mg was great I was even studying for 30 minutes every other day. But I was sooo jumpy. Startled easily and constantly and uncontrollable movements at times. But no headaches, so I was all for it then after 2 weeks BOOM stopped cleaning and stopped walking. Complete apathy, loss of sex drive and dry mouth, dry stools (never a problem I actually love using the restroom minimum 2x a day) went down to 1x forcefully and quickly gained weight. Discontinued back normal"

• SCA
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 2, 2017

Abilify (aripiprazole) "To anyone just starting Abilify, please reconsider. I started it as an add-on to Lexapro. Initially, it helped me feel like getting out of bed in the morning with slightly more energy or a better outlook, or I just wasn't as groggy when I woke up. Initially, that was helpful & I got the Rx free or cheap, so I took it for over 2 years. When I finally realized all these new problems were connected to Abilify , it was too late... 50 lb weight gain, constant involuntarily movements of fingers, toes & tongue, mouth sores, wild, harmful actions with no conscience or regret, many more. Then the worst withdrawal symptoms.. I wished for death for months it was so awful. A year after stopping, I'm still not the same & probably never will be."

• Optim...
• September 15, 2015

Abilify (aripiprazole) "5 days - from non functioning depressed to living and enjoying life! I had no side effects starting the medication and noticed a moderate improvement by day 2. By day 5 / remarkable difference! My history is 20 yrs on ssri's and no improvement. Spent 9 months this year completely non functioning. Tried rispiridone and that caused lactation and sedated me. Pdoc put me on 60 mg Prozac +5 mg abilify and I feel like myself! Not sedated, not wired, just normal happy me! Miracle!"

• Lucy
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 1, 2020

Abilify (aripiprazole) "Within the first few days I could feel Abilify working to lift my depression, giving me more optimism and energy. However, at my starting dose of 5 mg, I had restless legs both during the day and at night. A lowered dose of 2 mg worked great for a few months, but now it’s ineffective (this is the dose I’m currently on). My psychiatrist had me increase the dose but I didn’t feel any effects, so she put me back down to 2 mg. I’m also taking Adderall, and I notice if I skip a dose of Abilify and then take Adderall, I get really bad anxiety as the Adderall wears off. So right now it’s kind of a neutral medication for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2014

Abilify (aripiprazole) "I was put on Ability to help with Major Depression/Clinical depression, and anxiety. The side effects were life changing. Just horrible. I was put on it at 15. I had hallucinations, pass out spells, times of absolute carelessness, and increased suicidal thoughts. I also became very hateful and paranoid. I developed unexplained muscle twitches, so my doctor finally took me off of it. I also had constant migraines and increased irritability I was just a mess on this medication! I still have the muscle twitches, and it's been 5 years since I had Abilify."