From Risperidone to Abilify...

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've been on here because things haven't been great, but I figured it was time for a post or two.

My antipsychotic (also used as my mood stabilizer for mania) is being switched from Risperidone Consta to Abilify starting today. For over the past week I've been experiencing a somewhat mixed episode or agitated depression, whatever you want to call it, and my psychiatrist decided it was time for a change in meds.

The issue is that I'm going to Poland the end of March to see my girlfriend, so I'm staying on my dose of Risperidone, and my psychiatrist is starting me on a very low dose of Abilify (2 mg) and bumping it up to 4 mg after a week. I think I'll be staying at that plus my Consta until I get back from Poland, and then I'll be weening off of the Consta and going up on the Abilify.

Has anyone made a change from Risperidone to Abilify ever? Or even a change from anything to Abilify? If so, what were your experiences? I've read that Abilify helps keep mixed episodes at bay, so I'm hoping it helps me out. Thanks!

Nupy

I went from 4mg risperidone straight to 10mg aripiprazole with no problems. I find aripiprazole is much better and less sedating plus its side effects have been very minimal for me. Hope it goes well hon

Hugs

Cracked

Hey Cracked! Thanks for the reply.

I just took my first dose of 2 mg, and I'm feeling a little dizzy, but that could just be because I know it can cause dizziness and drowsiness. What's really dumb is I just got my Risperidone injection today as well as my first dose of Abilify. Such is life.

Hope you feel better soon hon - if you dont then let your Dr know

hugs

Cracked

Thanks, Cracked

I'll definitely let my psychiatrist know if things go sideways.