Aripripiprazole for bi polar

Mental health
1

Hi

Am thinking of going on the anti psychotic aripiprazole. Has anybody taken this drug for bi polar? and how did you get on with it? Was on rispiridone but couldn't cope with the side effects.

2

Hi Louise,

I have been taking the anti psycholic Aripiprazole for a number of years now along with citalapram (anti-depressant) and DEPAKOTE (semisolium valproate) used as a mood stabilizer (not to be confused with sodium valproate which is for epileptics)

The reason I was put on Aripiprazole was to bring me down from a manic episode which caused me to be hospitalized.  Since discharge from hospital I have been able to 'tweak' doses based on my insight of whether I am going high or low.

Hope this helps

Wendy

3

Hi Wendy

Thanks for replying. Went on it a couple of months ago after being hospitalized. Is much more energizing than rispiridone and am Not like a zombie

Lou

4

Hi Lou

Glad you are feeling better and not zombified.....

Keep up the good work!

By the way, have you completed a WRAP booklet? (Wellness Recovery Approach).  I would be interested to know.

Regards

Wend 

5

Hi Wendy

What dose are you on. I am on 30 mg at present. Feel kinda detached and heavy at moment. Am back at work part-time, too. Hopefully will have my dose reduced in a few months. What's the most you have been on?

Thanks

Lou

6

Not done a WRAP booklet, will ask my cpn

7

Hi Louise,

I am on 20mg  a day of Aripiprazole 10mg morn and 10mg night.  This is the most I have been on.

I do feel tired and usually have a nap in the afternoon to get through the day.

Wendy

x

 

8

Hey Wendy, that's the amount I am aiming for. I too have a nap in the afternoon, lol. How long you been on it for?

9

Hey there Lou,

I've been on it since 2009, so quite a long time.  It seems to work so I'm not complaining.  I have had slight blips but not been hospitalised since a very brief stay in 2012 when I asked my CPN to get me in as I was going manic.