I need honest opinions (not medical advice)

Medications
1

I’m actually very confused right now
My doctor recently added 2mg of Abilify to my 4mg of Risperdal and 1000mg of Depakote, I’m also on 25mg of Lamictal.
She added the 2mg of Abilify to my cocktail because I wouldn’t stop cycling.
I was having mixed states for a long time and they wouldn’t stop.
Well since the addition of the 2mg of Abilify my mixed episodes have stopped and not only that I’ve been having more energy and I’ve been accomplishing more things and enjoying old hobbies like playing the guitar again.

Also, my depression has vanished.

I want to eventually come off the Risperdal completely and remain on a higher dose of the Abilify but I think that my doctor wants things to remain the same, keeping me on the 2mg of Abilify as an add on with my Risperdal

I don’t know what to do?

I’m feeling great at the moment

Should I come off the Risperdal and switch over to maybe 10 or 15mg of Abilify?

Or should I keep things the way they are, taking the low dose Abilify as an add on to my 4mg of Risperdal?

I kind of don’t want to rock the boat

What do you guys think?

Yes I’m very confused.

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2

Just re read what you told us!!

You feel great in the moment.

Yet

You feel so confused.

It seems like the status quo is working do you.

My only question would be if there is still some insomnia?

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3

Yes I still have insomnia

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4

If you feel great why not just let it be.
Never touch a running system.
If it isn’t broken then why fix it.

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5

Yeah that’s what I’ve been thinking too Thanks

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6

Yeah if you feel well maybe give it some time. If you want tell your doctor what’s going on see what they say.

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7

If it were me, I’d keep the status quo. If I started feeling bad again, then I’d consider going ahead with the original plan.

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8

Yes, thanks @TheSecondVariety

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9

The mere presence of insomnia would make me want to completely stop ability and not add more.

It’s possible you’re getting a lot done in the wee hours of the night but eventually it’s a problem (or was big time for me).

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10

“(not medical advice)” Rofl. you are totally asking for medical advice. You are asking people which meds you should take.

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11

Man, if you’re doing better, I would say don’t mess with things. The fact that you have the energy to get back into old interests says a lot. This is fantastic.

:blush:

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12

So are you saying keep the Abilify as an add on @everhopeful?

13

Prescribes a tranquilizer for @Bowens
Dr Oz :syringe: :pill: :syringe: :pill: :syringe: :pill:

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14

Thanks @everhopeful @shutterbug

15

You are on a lot of meds for sure I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to lower the amount. I would ask. Your dr though

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16

She’s eliminating the Lamictal soon
Thanks @Moon

17

Definitely keep it as an add-on!

I’m saying if you start to feel worse, then proceed with the original plan to switch to it completely.

But if you’ve found a magic formula, then stick with it while it’s working.

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18

My pdoc tells me if I am doing well not to change things. I also always want to adjust doses.

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19

This thread is like having a thread thats titled “Discussions of the major religions (Not a religious discussion)”. I just am finding it amusing though. But I don’t care, It’s actually making me giggle a bit.

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20

As someone with too much experience seeking effective doses -

As long as you’re feeling good on your current cocktail, stay where you are.

You may find, however, that the low dose of Abilify will no longer be enough to make you feel as good. The honeymoon period ends.

That is the time to share with your doctor, and talk about raising Abilify. The two of you will explore options together.

You’re in med transition now, so it’s not really predictable in this moment. But boy, do I understand hating that interim period! I’m in it too…again.

Best wishes.

1 Like