Aripiprazole and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Liv...
• March 11, 2019

Aripiprazole for Depression "I cannot express how much Abilify has already changed my life, and it has only been a week. I feel reborn. Before being prescribed this med, I felt hopeless, depressed, and my anxiety was terrible. I thought I could never be happy, but I already feel like a new person. I see sunshine and look at life totally differently."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I've been struggling with bipolar II my whole life and have been hospitalized twice. This last time they put me on Abilify in addition to my Lamictal and Lexapro, along with Trazodone for sleep. First, the side effects. They were pretty bad in the beginning: super restless, high anxiety, couldn't concentrate on anything unless it involved my hands. I did a lot of adult coloring and rearranged my house a few times. I was treated with Ativan for about 2 weeks, a double dose of Trazodone at night, and self-treated with THC. The side effects are starting to wear off and it's like I can see the world in color! My husband says I'm acting like when we first met and the sparkle is back in my eyes. If you have side effects, work with your doctor. I am so glad I did and stayed on this med. It's been a month and totally life-changing."

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

Aripiprazole 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."

• Sub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2020

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I am a 24-year-old male with Bipolar II. Depression is what I struggle with 98% of the time. I have been taking this med, Abilify, for about a month now, so long enough. I switched to this from Zyprexa, and that switch was rough. My anxiety came back worse than before on this med, and the restlessness was too much for me. I took 5mg, and I would get an hour or two of sleep per day and not be able to sit still during the day. I will say that it cured my depression completely, so for that, I am grateful. As far as my anxiety, sleep, and overall mood, it has not improved. Moving up in dosage caused more restlessness, and moving down to 2.5mg or less made me tired and didn't do much for my mood. This med didn't work for me, but it's not the worst med, give it a shot. I'm switching to Latuda, wish me luck."

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

Aripiprazole for Depression "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."

• Wbu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This med truly saved my life. I was suffering for 7 months with 24/7 relentless anxiety and OCD ruminating thoughts. Every minute of every day was hell. I tried 12 different meds. I was put on Effexor, and that helped the anxiety somewhat, but the OCD and ruminating were still constant. Added Abilify, and within 3 days, the thoughts lessened greatly. After 6 days, I was finally able to leave my bed and face the world again. I'm now a year on it at 15 mg and living a normal, OCD-free life! I still have some PTSD from how bad my episode was, but it doesn't affect me much. I'll stay on this med for life. Without it, I would not be here today!"

• Dee...
• February 5, 2017

Aripiprazole for Depression "First I was afraid to start on this drug. I tried risperidone, it was horrible - I had nightmares and fatigue, and I felt very foggy. The doctor put me on Abilify 2.5 mg in addition to Effexor 300mg. It works very well, it gave me stability I've never had for long periods before. No ups and downs, it made my days better and really lifted my mood! When I tried to stop, I went into anxiety and depression, so I decided to go back on it. It's really worth trying! No side effects except a little fatigue. A life savior. No mood swings."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2013

Aripiprazole for Depression "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."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2019

Aripiprazole for Depression "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. I never even made it past the first week."

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2009

Aripiprazole for Depression "I really think this drug has been a lifesaver. But be careful with the dosing, sometimes less is more. I currently take 2.5 mg, and that is enough to lift me out of the depression. At 5 mg, I was very 'flat,' anxious, and my joints ached. Everyone is different, but this drug can be very helpful."

• Zho...
• October 14, 2016

Aripiprazole for Depression "I have been on Remeron, Lamictal, Strattera, and for almost a year. I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, adult ADHD, and PTSD. In August, I was present when my best friend of 36 years passed away from cancer. Needless to say, that grief combined with MDD had me in a very bad space in my head. I went to my doctor and he suggested Abilify as an add-on to the Remeron, I was already on 45mg and he refused to increase. He also prescribed Buspar as a PRN for my anxiety. Within days, the dark pit I was in closed up, and I was able to breathe again. Although still grieving, it comes in manageable waves now instead of being 24/7. I have had very minimal side effects and take 5mgs in the morning. I would recommend this medication."

• TJF...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2022

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "My first week I felt like a whole new person. I had an extreme amount of energy and wanted to get out in the world again. Week 2 - it all went downhill. I felt like I was trapped in a body that wasn’t my own. I couldn’t eat, I wasn’t thirsty, I lost weight, my legs would not sit still. Like to the point I wanted to cut them off. They constantly were twitching uncontrollably or aching. My doctor gave me a shot of Benadryl, then I had to take Benadryl every day for 2 weeks to get any sort of relief, even then, it was a 5/10 of uncomfortableness. My anxiety started to skyrocket where basically I felt like I was living a constant panic attack. I stopped cold turkey, and after a week I’m still having chest pain, and my legs aren’t back to being completely still, but now down to 2/10, so tolerable. I seriously will never, ever recommend this to anyone. Maybe it was just me, but I would never wish the way I felt on anyone. I never want to feel that way again."

• TJF...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2022

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "My first week I felt like a whole new person. I had an extreme amount of energy and wanted to get out in the world again. Week 2 - it all went downhill. I felt like I was trapped in a body that wasn’t my own. I couldn’t eat, I wasn’t thirsty, I lost weight, my legs would not sit still. Like to the point I wanted to cut them off. They constantly were twitching uncontrollably or aching. My doctor gave me a shot of Benadryl, then I had to take Benadryl every day for 2 weeks to get any sort of relief, even then, it was a 5/10 of uncomfortableness. My anxiety started to skyrocket where basically I felt like I was living a constant panic attack. I stopped cold turkey, and after a week I’m still having chest pain, and my legs aren’t back to being completely still, but now down to 2/10, so tolerable. I seriously will never, ever recommend this to anyone. Maybe it was just me, but I would never wish the way I felt on anyone. I never want to feel that way again."

• AAB...
• July 19, 2013

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "This medicine has been a game changer for me. I stopped stress eating and lost weight, my mood stabilized, and I have been incredibly productive and achieved great things on it. It does wonders for my anxiety. I have been on it for a year and could not be happier with the product. It is expensive but WORTH it! Highly recommend."

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

Aripiprazole for Schizoaffective Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 as a child, and later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I had a period in my life where I was into the occult, the Bible, and other occult subjects, and my doctor saw that as being unacceptable. So they put me on Invega, and that made me extremely depressed and was crying most of the day, so I switched to Abilify. The Abilify makes me anxious, restless, body aches, and joint pain, lost my self-worth and purpose. I've been a musician for 13 years, and I just sit here now, unable to motivate myself to do anything. I miss how I felt off of meds, but I'm forced to take them. I don't think antipsychotics are good for depression at all. Every time I get my shot, I almost immediately fall into a deep depression for 2 weeks or so, and then start feeling better the last 2 weeks of the month, then I get my shot and start the cycle all over again. I want to get rid of my meds, and I want to talk to God again."

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

Aripiprazole 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!"

• RoQ...
• June 16, 2015

Aripiprazole for Depression "I started on 2.5 mg, and it really worked in conjunction with Prozac to pull me out of deep depression. Eventually, my doctor said it was okay to reduce to 1.25 mg since I had gained weight. I eventually gained more weight, my sugars and cholesterol rose, and I shake slightly now. I decided to stop completely, and that was a BIG mistake. This drug has serious withdrawal symptoms, even at a low dose like mine. The recommended weaning process is 10% less for 30 days, then a 30-day waiting period to adjust. I am currently on 1.125 mg, and I'm starting to have some withdrawal symptoms, but not too bad like stopping cold turkey. I experienced panic attacks, anxiety, fearfulness, agoraphobia, and nausea."

• RoQ...
• June 16, 2015

Aripiprazole for Depression "I started on 2.5 mg, and it really worked in conjunction with Prozac to pull me out of deep depression. Eventually, my doctor said it was okay to reduce to 1.25 mg since I had gained weight. I eventually gained more weight, my sugars and cholesterol rose, and I shake slightly now. I decided to stop completely, and that was a BIG mistake. This drug has serious withdrawal symptoms, even at a low dose like mine. The recommended weaning process is 10% less for 30 days, then a 30-day waiting period to adjust. I am currently on 1.125 mg, and I'm starting to have some withdrawal symptoms, but not too bad like stopping cold turkey. I experienced panic attacks, anxiety, fearfulness, agoraphobia, and nausea."

• Jes...
• March 12, 2015

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "Day one: TERRIBLE! Very tired, had to stay home from work. Day two: Getting better. Very tired in the morning but the day improved. Day three: Wonderful! I am not sure what 'normal' is, but if this is it, I am in heaven. Awake, focused, appropriate amount of energy, easygoing mood, less irritable, and lower anxiety (could be the Xanax on the last one). I am just beginning the medication, but typically meds have a quick effect on me and stick. I have not noticed any unusual appetite increases, but I am certainly going to keep an eye on it because I noticed a large percentage experience weight gain. As my fiancé says-mental health is more important than gaining a few pounds anyway."

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

Aripiprazole 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2017

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I have only been on Abilify (5 mg) for 2 weeks, but this drug has completely changed me for the better. I am able to process emotion so much better. I no longer jump to conclusions, feel paranoid, full of rage, or frantic. I feel so much more stability in my emotions-and my loved ones feel the difference as well. This drug has given me my confidence back."

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

Aripiprazole 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."

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

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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."

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

Aripiprazole 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."