Abilify causing carelessness/apathy?

[braketimez]

I've been on abilify for about 4 months now...in the last month or two I"ve noticed a drastic decrease in my creativity, willpower, interest in life, and overall increase in apathy. The only thing I feel compelled to do is watch movies and eat junk food. My mood swings are better (which is why I was prescribed), but everything else I used to have/do in my life is disappearing from my radar. Has anyone else experienced this with their anti-psychotic?

 

[toomuchtimetodie]

Yes but to be honest mate you're lucky you have the opportunity to stop taking it and regain those life skills you say you've lost.... I never had them to begin with, just had an extreme sense of apathy when usually I'm quite empathetic.
Obviously you have a choice. Mood swings or the losses you mentioned... And will these losses lead to suicidal ideation eventually? It's a tough one as I know mood swings aren't good

 

[Never Free]

Have studied them and that's a common problem. It's hard to say with me, because I didn't typically stay on them long, and was in rough situations when I had them.

Though am coming out of a Refeeding Syndrome/ suicide attempt. My minds been going haywire, and have had some of those same experiences. Also pretty bad mood swings. Think I may be coming out of it. Didn't think I would. Thogh something pulled me out of it. Being aware of the reason or even trying to focus on the relief death would bring didn't help. Sounds like the relief from the mood swings, aren't making the apathy/ lack of motivation easier? You mentioned other things in your life disappearing from your radar? Did the mood swings interfere less, or you were better able manage despite them? Were you doing something that something else helped your mood swings, but not enough? Did it not leave you dealing with loss of creativity, willpower, interest in life, and overall increase in apathy?

 

[Myforevercharlie]

I had those a few years ago, they made me feel like a zombie. I sat for days, just staring at the wall.

Lucky for me i could switch to something else...

 

[moodygrl]

Im on it and Im not sure what it does to me. I think I would be the same without it, just waiting everyday to pass thinking about suicide. Which is atm not possible because Im never alone. My psych asked me about it and said it was a good thing I dont have side effects, lol. I dont mention being suicidal anymore as it doesnt do much than offering a chance to get institutionalised again and taking up a bed to be suicidal there. Its more comfortable at home, thanks very much.

 

[braketimez]

Im on it and Im not sure what it does to me. I think I would be the same without it, just waiting everyday to pass thinking about suicide. Which is atm not possible because Im never alone. My psych asked me about it and said it was a good thing I dont have side effects, lol. I dont mention being suicidal anymore as it doesnt do much than offering a chance to get institutionalised again and taking up a bed to be suicidal there. Its more comfortable at home, thanks very much.

How much do they have you taking? It makes sense why you wouldn't mention being suicidal anymore.

 

[cant cry]

I keep hearing about the horrors of being institutionalized. Maybe when someone takes their own life, it's time for people to stop asking,"Why didn't they talk to someone first?"

 

[moodygrl]

How much do they have you taking? It makes sense why you wouldn't mention being suicidal anymore.

15mg a day

 

[Final Escape]

I've been on abilify for about 4 months now...in the last month or two I"ve noticed a drastic decrease in my creativity, willpower, interest in life, and overall increase in apathy. The only thing I feel compelled to do is watch movies and eat junk food. My mood swings are better (which is why I was prescribed), but everything else I used to have/do in my life is disappearing from my radar. Has anyone else experienced this with their anti-psychotic?

This is what u can expect on these drugs. It's a trade off always. I got fat on zyprexa, suicidal on rexulti, eventually suicidal and psychotic on daily stimulant meds.

 

[moodygrl]

I keep hearing about the horrors of being institutionalized. Maybe when someone takes their own life, it's time for people to stop asking,"Why didn't they talk to someone first?"

its not that its so terrible, in 3 years since my first attempt I have been to extensive psychotherapy inpatient treatment before and then the psych ward larer - they dont offer therapy there, just medicines, I do talk to my psychotherapist once a month. But I just dont want to exist anymore. Honestly therapy doesnt do much to me. Group therapy was a waste too, Im so empty and disconnected I cant even empathise with other members nor share much about myself. Serioisly, and it sucks. I wish I was normal. well thats also one of my reasons to go.

 

[braketimez]

This is what u can expect on these drugs. It's a trade off always. I got fat on zyprexa, suicidal on rexulti, eventually suicidal and psychotic on daily stimulant meds.

That all sounds really difficult. What are you taking now? I will be trying to taper off of abilify soon (under psychiatric supervision).

15mg a day

Wow. Did you start at that dose?

 

[moodygrl]

That all sounds really difficult. What are you taking now? I will be trying to taper off of abilify soon (under psychiatric supervision).


Wow. Did you start at that dose?

I think so, yes. Additionally they said theyd up it to 20mg, but that didnt happen. Why do you think thats alot? what dose are you on? Im only taking this medicine.

 

[braketimez]

I think so, yes. Additionally they said theyd up it to 20mg, but that didnt happen. Why do you think thats alot? what dose are you on? Im only taking this medicine.

I was just surprised they started you that high, but I'm no doc. I'm only on 2.5 mg. I'm super sensitive to meds.

 

[moodygrl]

wow I didnt know it can be such a low dose. One side effect that I do notice is hicchups :)

 

[braketimez]

wow I didnt know it can be such a low dose. One side effect that I do notice is hicchups :)

Yes, it's a really small dose. I've read stories of horrible withdrawal symptoms even at a dose that low. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do if I want to get off of it.

I haven't heard of hiccups as a side effect! Weird...

 

[moodygrl]

Yes, it's a really small dose. I've read stories of horrible withdrawal symptoms even at a dose that low. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do if I want to get off of it.

I haven't heard of hiccups as a side effect! Weird...

Its quite funny, doesnt last long but happenes several times a day. I wouldnt have noticed hadnt I read about it in the info leaflet that comes with the pills :)