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Suggest Treatment For Severe Withdrawal Symptoms Of Abilify
Question: I discontinued abilify 10 mg after taking it for 12 years. I tapered for 2-3 weeks. I am experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and seem to be getting worse after 10 weeks off the drug. What can I do? I am so sick. Also have tardive dyskinesia. I am miserable.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Withdrawal symptoms from antipsychotics like Abilify are possible. Of course the best way to prevent them is through very slow tapering, usually I aim 4-8 weeks. However there are cases where withdrawal symptoms occur even with slow tapering. Dyskinesia is possible as well.
One option would be to temporarily reinitiate Abilify, to do it at the smallest possible dose which makes withdrawal symptoms go away. After a period of stability tapering it again very slowly may be tried.
If that doesn't work or you simply want another alternative, it would be to temporarily include another medication, benzodiazepines like Clonazepam, beta blockers like propranolol or anticholinergics like biperiden are among the most commonly used.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Withdrawal symptoms from antipsychotics like Abilify are possible. Of course the best way to prevent them is through very slow tapering, usually I aim 4-8 weeks. However there are cases where withdrawal symptoms occur even with slow tapering. Dyskinesia is possible as well.
One option would be to temporarily reinitiate Abilify, to do it at the smallest possible dose which makes withdrawal symptoms go away. After a period of stability tapering it again very slowly may be tried.
If that doesn't work or you simply want another alternative, it would be to temporarily include another medication, benzodiazepines like Clonazepam, beta blockers like propranolol or anticholinergics like biperiden are among the most commonly used.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Do you think my symptoms will go away eventually? I really do not want to re/instate abilify. How long do these withdrawals last?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
The physical withdrawal symptoms should be temporary. You are already past the average duration, but not all patients is the same, depends on how many changes have happened over its use. Having used it for 12 years it may take longer for the balance of the neurotransmitters and their receptors to be reorganized. But in time physical withdrawal effects should eventually subside.
If you really do not want to reinstate the medication, not even temporarily, as I said the other option is to try for a few weeks one of the other medications I mentioned. Generally I have had more success with benzodiazepines which are effective also in relieving the anxiety (for many patients there may be a predisposition to anxiety issues which Abilify may mask, while withdrawal may trigger to come into the surface). Should pay attention not to use them for longer than 3-4 weeks though, wouldn't want to switch from one dependence to the other.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
The physical withdrawal symptoms should be temporary. You are already past the average duration, but not all patients is the same, depends on how many changes have happened over its use. Having used it for 12 years it may take longer for the balance of the neurotransmitters and their receptors to be reorganized. But in time physical withdrawal effects should eventually subside.
If you really do not want to reinstate the medication, not even temporarily, as I said the other option is to try for a few weeks one of the other medications I mentioned. Generally I have had more success with benzodiazepines which are effective also in relieving the anxiety (for many patients there may be a predisposition to anxiety issues which Abilify may mask, while withdrawal may trigger to come into the surface). Should pay attention not to use them for longer than 3-4 weeks though, wouldn't want to switch from one dependence to the other.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Additionally, I gained 35 lbs while on abilify. I haven't lost any weight since I have been off the drug and have hardly eaten a thing because I have been so sick. Does the weight come off?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Weight gain is a common side effect of antipsychotics like Abilify. Stopping it naturally interrupts weight gain (unless there are other causes). In many patients there is weight reduction overtime as well. That is not the case for all of them though, the metabolic changes Abilify has induced have developped gradually and may persist for a long time, especially given the fact that you have used it for 12 years. The fact that you are finding withdrawal that difficult supports the fact that your body needs more time to return to reprogramm its metabolism.
I still would hope some partial weight loss with regular physical activity and a healthy diet over the coming months.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Weight gain is a common side effect of antipsychotics like Abilify. Stopping it naturally interrupts weight gain (unless there are other causes). In many patients there is weight reduction overtime as well. That is not the case for all of them though, the metabolic changes Abilify has induced have developped gradually and may persist for a long time, especially given the fact that you have used it for 12 years. The fact that you are finding withdrawal that difficult supports the fact that your body needs more time to return to reprogramm its metabolism.
I still would hope some partial weight loss with regular physical activity and a healthy diet over the coming months.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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