Abilify and Insomnia

Medications
1

Like I said in my earlier posts, so far I’m tolerating my first dose of Abilify pretty well.
Some activation and a tiny bit of anxiety but overall I’m managing the side effects pretty well

The only thing is I am having trouble fallling and staying asleep (insomnia)

In the past I had this issue on Abilify, averaging maybe 5 to 6 hours of sleep.

Last night I kept falling in and out of sleep and fell asleep at 1230am and woke up at 357am

I’m not going to give up on the Abilify as my body will have to adjust to this medication

Hopefully it gets better with time.

4 Likes
2

I havr a terrible case of insomnia on abilify. Every single day is an issue. Currently taking mirtazapine tobhelp with it

EDIT: Im on the depot so it releases all day and night

3 Likes
3

I take 200 mg of trazadone…non addictive and puts me right out.

2 Likes
4

I also take mirtazapine and it was helping for awhile but I’ve noticed that it is not working well anymore. I can’t take Trazadone it give me palpitations.

2 Likes
5

Why not try out Qutiapine for sleep. I just woke up after 15 hours of restful sleep and tomorrow I’m going to the health clinic for my 500 mgs Clopixol depot long acting injection.

3 Likes
6

Seroquel gives me tachycardia, so I can’t take that.

3 Likes
7

oh I’m sorry to hear that. Then you could ask for Mirtazapine(Remeron) a very sedating antidepressant.

2 Likes
8

I take zopiclone for abilify induced insomnia, helps me sleep and stay asleep.

2 Likes
9

The “pine” medications like: Quitiapine, olanzapine, clozapine, are the only AP’s that dont give me insomnia. I currently take clozapine and I have no issues with sleep. Abilify made me very restless and my leg would bounce anytime I was sitting.

2 Likes
10

I have the same experience with the pines like you fight for me. They were the only ones that could bring me to sleep.
The newest pine on the market is Asenapine(Saphris). Should be very sleep inducing as well.

1 Like
11

It’s weird isn’t it?

1 Like
12

Last night I slept well, 8 hours
Hopefully the Abilify insomnia spell is over

2 Likes
13

I too have spells of insomnia I think the condition has this effect as I have met loads of people with the same issues I find smoking helps with sleep and anxiety. .

1 Like
14

I have insomnia too. It’s great when you have stuff to do. If i’m in the hosbital or jail I sleep about 12. If i’m not in one of those places I only sleep 4 hours a night. As I get older I’ll sleep less. I’m sure if I get hypomania I’ll go three days without sleeping. Once i’m out I sleep like a rock.

As far as abilify I take it just so it activates me.

2 Likes
15

Oh well, last night I got 4 hours sleep
If I’m going to remain on Abilify this will be my new normal I’m afraid to say

16

It was like that for me too on Abilify, and currently on 200 mg of Geodon.

Have doxepin arriving from the mail order pharmacy on Tuesday.

Don’t be shy about requesting a sleep aid if you need one. I’m sza bipolar and I get bouts of mania when I string together enough sleepless nights. Sleep aid is good self care. I am just still searching for the right one.

((HUGS))

1 Like
17

Yes in the past my doctor told me to take Klonopin for insomnia but I don’t want to take it every night for fear of addiction issues
Thanks @anon28552576

I also hate the feeling of getting knocked out

18

Me too, when I was on Klonopin! Hate that stuff!

I’ve taken it for extended periods without tolerance or addiction, but I’m a zombie on it.

My pnurse and I ruled out Xanax and Ativan too, as I don’t want another benzo.

Benadryl only works for an hour, and hydroxyzine and amitriptyline turn me into a drooling idiot.

I’m nervous about doxepin, since it’s another tricyclic, but it’s only a 6 mg dose, so Denise assures me it will be okay.

Hope you find a good solution, since I know you want to transition off your risperidone over to Abilify.

1 Like
19

Thanks @anon28552576 :slightly_smiling_face:

20

@Vertigo

I was in the hospital when I got put on abilify so they ramped up my dose to 30 mg really quickly. Also, they pretty much put everyone on trazodone and/or a 2nd antipsychotic. So I never had the abilify insomnia. However, I am having trouble falling asleep currently on 30 mg olanzapine and 2 mg Rexulti. I am using meditation videos with some mild success. I don’t want to become dependent on my PRN benzo. I hope your sleep improves!!

1 Like