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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety While On Abilify

Posted on Mon, 16 Jan 2017

Question: My doctor has given me abilify. The lexpro i am taking seems not to work the way it used to. I quit taking lexpro cold turkey in XXXXXXX I had a big meltdown in late july, which i have not recovered well I am taking 20 mg like before but i have great anxiety and depression. Do you think abilify is a good idea? i have been on lexapro for eight years. I WAS SO STUPID OF ME TO QUIT BECAUSE LEXPRO HELPED ME SO MUCH! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. (XXXX)

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

How long have you now been taking Lexapro since stopping it? If it has been more than 6 weeks, then Abilify might help augment the Lexapro to treat depression. If it has been less than 6 weeks, I would wait to see if the Lexapro regains full effect on its own.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (13 hours later)

i have on lexapro for eight years. It worked very well for me. I quit cold turkey in XXXXXXX Someway i thought i did not need to take it anymore. This was the worst thing i could ever do! Now being back on for five months i have much anxiety and cannot sleep at night. I just don,t know what to do. how much more can i take it has been five months now................... THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN.........(XXXX)

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
In this case, if you are on 20mg daily of Lexapro, I would talk to your doctor about augmenting with Abilify, yes.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad