I agree. I was very hopeful about abilify and frankly was doing great. It worked for me except for TD. Otherwise had no other concerns. Yes lately developed insomnia but that could be due to my TD worries as well
I also developed insomnia on abilify and that was the reason I had to come off it.
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@NewHope insomnia was one of my first symptoms⌠I was given Zopiclone and then other sleeping medication to help me sleep, however, now I oversleep without any medication. It is just now I am struggling as I have things on my mind.
In answer to your question, I did not opt for any other medication. I am not on medication, I considered clozapine because some negative symptoms started to emerge, but I feel they are manageable without the assistance of antipsychotics. For me (only in my case) The side effects I experience (daily) from antipsychotics are more extreme than what I experience (only sometimes) from schizophrenia
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wonder how the thought process of opting out of drug took place? was your pdoc involved? how long you been off meds? last but not the least are you not afraid of relapse?
I am glad its working so far and hope it keep on working for you without meds.
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how are you recovering for insomnia? taking any medications? my strategy so far is less the medication better. I try to see if I can sleep better as abilify tapers off. I will be starting on seroquel next which hopefully will help with insomnia as well.
My problem is TD wakes me up at night and then I have trouble going back to sleep. If TD doesnât wake me up I sleep ok some days.
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With the exception of 3 weeks in December 2017, in which I was prescribed a antipsychotic to help with the insomnia and another negative symptom, I have not been on medication since January 2017. The mental health team, psychologist and psychiatrist were all involved in the decision. Not to sound self righteous, superior or anything like that but, they told me that my case of schizophrenia is both rare and unique. When I decided against the clozapine treatment, my psychiatrist told that because of my insight, the ability to manage my symptoms and conduct that âSchizophrenia to you is like a cold where as to others it is like pneumoniaâ so I was not coerced into making a decision that I know is not right for me
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seems you have strong will. I am sure it will work out for you. John Nash (beautiful mind fame) also could do same. its not unprecedented.
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@NewHope one last thing, the reason why I created a new post, enquiringly about relapse is because as of recent some more negative symptoms have emerged. And, yes I am terrified about a relapse. However, from what I read and I am told, there is a discrepancy, and this leads me confused. We are now in March (almost April) my first symptoms of what could be a potential relapse, started in August 2017. And last week a new symptom emerged but has now gone. I am terrified of a relapse as it has taken a tremendous amount of time and effort to rebuild my life. But at the same time, it has technically been over a year that I have not been on medication and a relapse (as others describe) has not occurred. My care worker mentioned to me on Friday that it is possible that what I am currently experiencing is âmy relapse a small dip, and this could be the worstâ
I do not know, but I am making preparations
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use this off medicine time to rebuild your health.
@NewHope I am doing that. I go the gym each day, I have become vegan and with the exception of some symptoms I feel perfectly healthy. I have an advance directive in place, if my health deteriorates⌠then there is a plan
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I havenât yet decided.
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