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medication change, need advice!

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 4/29/2015 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
My daughter was recently diagnosed with Generalized anxiety disorder. She has been on lexapro for 10 years, started when she had her first surgery for Ulcerative colitis. In the past 6 months her anxiety and rumination have worsen. She has sensitivities to medication since her neuro toxic injury 4 years ago, (she was given versed and demerol cocktail for a colonoscopy)

She saw a new psychiatrist today and he suggested staying on the lexapro, 20mg and adding a small dose of Abilify. He also said maybe zoloft instead of lexapro. He did not think prozac was best for her since she is not clinically depressed. She goes out, goes to work, keeps her apartment but has anxiety and rumination.

I am very scared about the medications and the past with her neurotoxicity. She is concerned about these medications also and is doing her homework on the medications, looking in the pdr and internet. Abilify is an antipsychotic but she said the dr told her it can boost the lexapro.

Any ideas? Positive outcomes?
Posted 4/29/2015 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
I take 10mg of Abilify along with effexor, and I love it. It has kept me stable for 4 years now, BUT I must tell you the truth here. There are long term effects from taking Abilify, 1-it can raise your blood sugar level, 2- It can raise your heart rate and cause long term effects to the heart. Even though I love it, it is because of these 2 reasons that my psych. is taking me off it and adding in lamotrigine, he assures me it will work as good as the abilify without the long term effects. I am very nervous about the switch which will happen in a couple of weeks.

Both diabetes and heart disease run on both sides of my family, my AC1 Blood sugar level is 6.0 and I have a resting heart rate of about 110 bpm, so this is why my psych wants me off it.

Now having said that, I do Love abilify and find it works very good boosting another AD and if neither diabetes or heart disease run in your family she will probably be safe taking it. I never had any side effects that I can remember from starting it. What dose is he wanting her to take?
Posted 4/29/2015 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
thank you AngelLisa. I don't know the dose. She does have rapid pulse once and awhile. Now that you mention that another dr said that Lexapro can raise your heart rate. I don't trust doctors.....
Posted 4/29/2015 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
Good morning, just wanted to bump this up for any more input. Thank you.
Posted 4/29/2015 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear your daughter has been having anxiety.

It seems to be quite common now to mix medication and a lot of psychiatrists are adding a low dose of an antipsychotic to the mix. I have never been on Abilify but have heard good thing about it I take Haldol which is an older antipsychotic along with two antidepressants and find it a good mix.

I hope your daughter finds something that works well for her.

Hibee
Posted 4/30/2015 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry about your daughter. I agree with those above. I think it is very common to add something to boost an antidepressant. I had Lamictal added to my antidepressant and it has helped a lot.

I know a lot of people on Zoloft & Abilify or Lexapro & Abilify. They have been really happy with it. Hope it helps her a lot as well!
Posted 4/30/2015 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your comments. This is so worrisome, especially since her neurotoxin brain injury. We are both concerned with any new medications and how her brain might react.
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