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Posted 10/23/2014 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
I won't go into a long diatribe, so to make a long story short:
My NP has added 2mg of Abilify to my prozac per day for one week, then it increases to 5mg a day thereafter.
Also, she talked to the clinic's psychiatrist and he signed off on a prescription for me to have .5mg of clonazepam 2x a day "for a short term". He said for 2 months, but she made it for 3 months b/c she says it's hard to get up with the doctors there. I had to sign a paper saying I wouldn't give any of the drug away (as if!!!) and I also had to agree to one therapy session in a three month period to get the clonazepam.
I have made up my mind to not look this gift horse in the mouth. I am just going to do my best to get better and not worry about "if" they take the clonazepam away later.
I do have some fear of gaining a lot of weight with the abilify, (I am already overweight), but I'd rather weigh a ton than be this miserable!
I do so hope this helps me!
Thanks everyone!
janet
Posted 10/23/2014 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

My aunt is on abilify and she has not gained any weight. I know it is different with everyone but she has not. Her main complaint is it does giver her dry mouth bad, so she carries bottled water and always has a sugar free candy in her mouth. I hope that neither one of these happen to you. I got super angry on this med so I had to stop taking it. Now with the kolonopin I was very sleepy and had very bad headaches after waking up. These are my side effects so do not be scared of them, but it can happen and I was on .5th as needed. I no longer take that med because I have learned to control my anxiety better with the help of my counselor and lots of cbt training. I hope that the meds and counseling help with the anxiety. Good luck and stay strong.
Posted 10/23/2014 9:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Janet

I have heard good things about the combination of Abilify and Prozac and it's a combo which I have considered in the past and would be interested to hear how you get on with it as I am at the point were I would like to change my meds as they are causing me lots of side effects. i hope this combo works well for you keep us updated

Hibee
Posted 10/23/2014 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
Janet,

So glad you got your medication straightened out!!! Seems like that was a successful appointment. You told them what you needed and you got it. Good for you! looking forward to seeing your progress on the new medication:))
Posted 10/23/2014 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
Janet- I took Abilify for a month and had no side effects. It was in the middle of finding the right meds for me back in April. I didn't stay on it as they switched me around again. Karen, aka gettingby in the depression forum takes it w/success. Many ppl do.

I think it's a great combo & I am hopeful for you!! Plus a benzo- PRAISE GOD!

Praying for you to be filled with peace and hope!

Love,
Lisa
Posted 10/23/2014 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
JL,

That is great news! Sounds like a wonderful visit, and hopefully you'll be experiencing some relief soon. :)
Posted 10/23/2014 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
WTG JL!!!!!

The squeaky wheel strikes again, Lol!! Seriously though...you did SO well on being pro-active and getting yourself the help that you needed!!

I think this sounds like an Awesome plan!! So happy for you!

Hugs and high fives (again!)

S.C.
Posted 10/23/2014 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone!
Now I am walking around a bit on pins and needles, afraid it won't work (I know...I have to be POSITIVE and not so darned NEGATIVE!) I guess when you're tendency is to be anxious, you also tend to expect the worst....my bad!
But I am taking this day by day. Really, what else can one do?
Thanks for everyone's support. It is much appreciated. :)
janet
Posted 10/24/2014 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
JL

Great attitude! That's all we can do is take it day by day!

I know people who has been prescribed xanax for literally years and years. Not sure why your doctor is giving you 3 months for the clonazepam. I would encourage you to voice your concerns to him. Hopefully, he will better advise you. I have heard a lot of great things about the abilify!

Hugs!

Cornell

Post Edited (Cornell) : 10/24/2014 9:05:47 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/24/2014 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Cornell,
I used to be on Xanax for a number of years. The clinic has adopted, in recent years, a policy that they will only prescribe benzos on the short-term. :(
My NP was actually only supposed to write the script for 2 months but sneaked an extra month in. My hope is that the abilify will do the job and I won't really need the clonazepam. If I feel like I do, I'll either have to try with the clinic AGAIN, or plead with my GP or OB/GYN on the grounds of menoopausal anxiety, the need for the drug. Sigh.
In the meantime, one day at a time.
Thank you, Cornell! You are sweet!
janet
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