43 States have received millions of dollars in settlements from Bristol-Myers Squibb for the questionable marketing and pricing of certain prescription drugs for the poor.
Bristol-Meyers Squibb and its former subsidiary, Apothecon Inc., agreed in September to pay a total of $499 million, according to a spokeswoman for the company. The payments to the individual states, like Georgia’s Medicaid program went out in July 2008.
“The allegations were that these companies not only engaged in a pattern of kickbacks and false reporting to drive up both the sales and prices for its drugs, they also encouraged health care providers to prescribe a potent drug to both children and seniors for uses that had not been approved by the FDA,” Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker said in a prepared statement. “The drive to make certain that the bottom-line meets Wall Street expectations can never justify defrauding the taxpayers or putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk.”
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Apothecon were accused of reporting inflated prices to get higher reimbursements from government health care programs and of paying doctors, health care providers and pharmacies to push their products.
One medication at the center of the complaints was Abilify, an antipsychotic drug prescribed for children and for dementia-related psychosis. The federal Food and Drug Administration had not approved Abilify for those uses.
The drug company also was accused of misreproting prices for Serzone, an antidepressant, so consequently rebates to Medicaid were less.
Federal law requires pharmaceutical companies give their lowest prices to Medicaid programs and that was the basis of complaints that led to the settlement.
A spokeswoman for the company, when asked for comment Tuesday, referred to a statement released in September when the matter was resolved. “Bristol-Myers is pleased to have resolved these matters from the past and is proud of its commitment to conduct business with the highest standards of integrity in its mission to extend and enhance human life.”
Source: “The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Published on 07/15/08″
Below you will find additional state settlements:
Alabama – Not Participating
Alaska – Not Participating
Arizona – ?
Arkansas $1.3 million
California – $23 million
Connecticut – $1.9 million
Delaware – $1.1 million
District of Columbia – $923, 685.85
Florida $21.5 million
Georgia $12.1 million
Hawaii – ?
Idaho $1.7 million
Illinois $10 million
Indiana – $2.2 million
Iowa – $1.9 million
Kansas $3 million
Kentucky – $3 million
Louisiana -$9.6 million
Maine – $829,862
Maryland – $2.3 million
Massachusetts – $9.2 million
Michigan -$10,990,484
Minnesota – $2.35 million
Mississippi – Not Participating
Missouri $11 million
Montana – $295,091.26
Nebraska $3.2 million
Nevada – ?
New Hampshire $1.2 million
New Jersey – ?
New Mexico – $1.3 million
New York $40 million
North Carolina $14.8
North Dakota – $194,873.36
New York City $7.5 million
Ohio $6.5 million
Oklahoma – $1.37 million
Oregon – $3 million
Pennsylvania – Not Participating
Rhode Island – ?
South Carolina – Not Participating
South Dakota – $700,000
Tennessee – $3.5 million
Texas $15.7 million
Utah – $2 million
Vermont $218,963
Virginia – $7.1 million
Washington – $6.8 million
West Virginia – ?
Wisconsin – Not Participating
Wyoming – $554,320
If your state is not listed above you may go to http://naaq.org/attorneys_general.php and ask for the Media Relations person and request a press release for the Bristol-Myers settlement amount for your state or check back for updates.
Below you will find some of the “new” information about the devastating side effect of ABILIFY® found on their website. The question is – why would our government allow such dangerous drugs to be on the market?
If you wish to stop taking any antidepressant or antipsychotic medication it has been my experience that doctors and psychiatrist tend to give out additional medication to address any side effects, thus drugging you more and adding additional side effects. If you really wish to stop taking such drugs demand it from your doctor. Since these drugs often have withdrawal symptoms which are often just as bad as the drug side effect itself, you should not stop taking the medication cold (abruptly). For alternative help in stopping or tapering off such medications visit http://www.theroadback.org/workbook.htm. On the left-hand side of the page you will find a free online book entitled, “How to Get Off Psychiatric Drugs Safely”.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ON SERIOUS ABILIFY® (Aripiprazole) SIDE EFFECTS:
Elderly people with psychosis related to dementia (for example, an inability to perform daily activities as a result of increased memory loss), treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines, are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis (see Boxed WARNING). Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with an increase in the risk of suicide. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient’s healthcare professional right away, especially if they are sever or occur suddenly. ABILFY is not approved for us in pediatric patients with depression (see Boxed WARNING).”
“Patients should not use ABILIFY if they are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ABILIFY. Allergic reactions have ranged from rash, hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
Serious side effects can occur with any antipsychotic medicine, including ABILIFY. Tell your healthcare professional right away if you have any condition or side effects, including the following:
- An increased risk of stroke and ministroke has been reported in clinical studies of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
- Very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These may be signs of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), (a life-threatening neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs) a rare but serious side effect which could be fatal
- Abnormal or uncontrollable movements. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD), which may be permanent”. (Per other sources, this is a permanent condition.)
- “Diabetes, risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking ABILIFY and medicines like it. Ask your healthcare professional about the need to monitor your blood sugar level before and during treatment.
Lightheadedness or faintness caused by a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) has been reported with ABILIFY.
Medicines like ABILIFY can effect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you.
Since medicines like ABILIFY can impact your body’s ability to reduce body temperature, you should avoid overheating and dehydration.
If you have suicidal thoughts, you should tell your healthcare professional right away.
Medicines like ABILIFY have been associated with swallowing problems (dysphagia). If you had or have swallowing problems, you should tell your healthcare professional.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of seizures, or are pregnant or intent to become pregnant, and about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking or plan to take.
Most common side effects (greater than 10%) from all clinical trials involving adults or pediatrics include:
ADULTS: Nausea, vomiting, consitipation, headache, dizziness, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), anxiety and insomia.
PEDIATRICS: (10-17 years): Uncontrolled movements, headache, sleepiness and nausea.
While taking ABILIFY, avoid:
- Drinking alcohol
- Breast-feeding an infant
It is important to contact your healthcare professional if you experience prolonged, abnormal muscle spasm or contraction which may be signs of a condition called dystonia.
For patients who must limit their sugar intake, ABILIFY Oral Solution contains sugar.
For patients with phenylketonuria or PKU, ABILIFY® DISCMELTTM (aripiprazole) contains phenylalanine.”
Source: http://www.abilify.com/abilify/home/index.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
This website may contain some copyrighted material. We reserve the right to reproduce such material under the Copyright Act, Title 17 US Code, Section 107, “Fair Use”, as we believe the public should be informed of such information so they can think for themselves rather than rely on advertisements. We gain no profit from such articles. http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107
July 23, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Yeah! I think California will be getting about $23Million back.
September 21, 2008 at 8:48 am
I have recently been prescribed Abilify for Bipolar disorder. I am a 45 year old male and have been suffering all the side effects such as nausa, the feeling of the need to move. The most startling side effect is a serious increase in my blood sugar level. I was at the level to come off insulin but now will need to increase it. My doctor new I had type 2 diabetes. Will comming off it eliminate the increase in my glucose levels? I am from California. Has there been a class action for increase in glucose or impact to Diabetes? I am taking myself off this medication.
September 22, 2008 at 9:16 am
John, there is a product available called Xango, a natural juice, that has shown to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes. My motherinlaw went from 2 shots/day to none using this. According to research Xango is the only mangosteen product that delivers these results. As far as the bipolar disorder and Abilify, I suggest you consult a (different) doctor before just taking yourself off this drug. I think someone who specializes in natural healing using vitamins and minerals and such is what you really need.
September 22, 2008 at 2:43 pm
John, I so understand how you are feeling. I highly suggest contacting Label Me Sane here in S. Cali. They so would be able to help you! : )))
Here’s their contact data:
POINT OF RETURN
a division of LABEL ME SANE, INC.
30765 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 266
Malibu, CA 90265
866.605.2333
http://www.labelmesane.com/
There really is light at the end of this tunnel!
September 22, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Also, John, there is a very amazing YAHOO GROUP that I’m a member of called: ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTICS. To join them all you have to do is send an e~mail to: Atypical_Antipsychotics-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. It’s a PHENOMENAL GROUP! : ))) And, would be a magical place to post your request and get some amazing support.
September 27, 2008 at 8:57 pm
my mother just passed away 09-26-2008 a week after suffering a massive stroke….she was 83 years old and an alzheimer’s patient of 7 years who was recently put on high blood pressure medication….she was prescribed Abilify by a psychiatrist who had begun seeing and treating her at a local university hospital…now we are finding that she should never have been prescribed this drug
September 28, 2008 at 5:36 am
Greg,
I am so sorry for your loss. My mother also was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and passed away under a psychiatric medication, Zyprexa. It’s just a shame more people are not educated in what these drugs do to our seniors, children and adults. You should report this abuse to Citizens Commission for Human Rights (CCHR) at http://www.cchr.com. This is what they are all about. They might be able to point you in the right direction.
You can see my story at http://psychdrugs.wordpress.com/2008/06/29/hello-world/
November 21, 2008 at 7:03 pm
my son has been taking abilify for the past 4 months; his behavior has changed tremendously, his body always aches, he has develop extrange body movements and he has gained over 25 pounds, which has increased his depression even worse. What should we do?
June 21, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Jorge-
My son was also taking abilify from jan-april 09. He is 11 years old. He is ADHD and Bipolar. He gained over 20 pounds and he literally was compulsive eating. He would cry because he swore he was hungry even after a full meal. Then he started getting arthritis in his legs, ankles, and feet. He would complain about the pain and cry at night with pain shooting in his legs. We would soak his legs everynight. I thought it was a growth spurt till I mentioned it to the nurse at the psychiatrist’s office. She immediately called the Dr and told him what was happening. They took him off and put him on Depakote. Within 3 weeks the pain wore off from the “cogwheeling” which is what the nurse called the arthritis. He even started crying and throwing tantrums like he was 2 again. If someone has information on the lawsuit please let me know. I am in Ohio.
November 30, 2008 at 8:26 am
Jorge,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I have been out of town.
First, never stop taking these medicines cold turkey. You need to cut back on them very slowly or it can add more or stronger withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor or obtain a new doctor such as an alternative medical doctor. There are a number of websites to the right of this blog’s pages under “Detox” that explain how to stop taking such medicines on your own. There are supplements that you can take that will help with the withdrawal symptoms and one side The Road Back has a schedule of how to cut back on certain drugs.
Another excellent resource is CCHR (Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights).
Best of luck with your son.
Your Friend
January 29, 2009 at 2:32 pm
My son was put on Abilify by his doctor, even after I had told him we had negative results 2 times before. He put him on it anyway and I listened (he is suppose to be the doctor, right?). After a week I told the doctor my son had become very weepy, he just added Tenex instead of removing the Abilify. Within a month I told the doctor my son was having sucidal thoughts. He told my son that was a cop out and to knock it off. It wasn’t until my son went to the 2nd story of a building a said he was going to jump that we got a new doctor. My son has now been taken off the Abilfy, Tenex, and Tegratol, and is only on an ADHD medication, and doing well (with both his new doctor & the one medication). Since the class action lawsuit is already done, does that mean I can’t do a lawsuit too? If anyone knows I would appreciate a post so that I can either just drop it, or go after the company that didn’t tell me Abilfy wasn’t meant for kids. Thank you.
March 12, 2009 at 11:48 am
I was prescribed Abilify in April 2008 to take along with Prozac. I had a very adverse reaction to the drug, and believe that I may have Tardive Dyskinesia that this website talks about. I believe this to be true as I continue to suffer from involuntary facial twitching movements that were not present until after being on Abilify for about a week or so. I read on this website that “Bristol-Meyers Squibb and its former subsidiary, Apothecon Inc., agreed in September to pay a total of $499 million”, of which, $6.5 million was given to the state of Ohio. I would greatly appreciate it if someone can tell me any options that I may have.
Thank you in advance for your time and help.
Angela
May 7, 2009 at 6:31 am
daughter has taken this medicine and has some side effects live in colorado 4473 so Robb st Littleton colo 80127 Kimberley Asher
May 8, 2009 at 10:22 am
I was given Abilify in conjunction with Effexor. I started to develop the involuntary twitching of the jaw and mouth muscles. Although I have stopped using Abilify I still suffer from this twitching side effect. It can be embarrassing at times, since I am not always aware of it. What are my options as far as some kind of monetary compensation?
Manuela
May 20, 2009 at 7:29 am
My 11 year old takes abilify, concerta, and trileotal. He has bipolar disorder. adhd, high function autism. Now all of a sudden he has uncontrolable movement with his head,eyes, and voice. How come he is dignosed with tourett sysdrom why it dont run in the family?
August 24, 2009 at 12:10 pm
That is all the same thing that my son has had he is 7 have you found any thing that has helped with the strange movements????? i took him off every thing in june but he still has the same movement problems and it is getting worse let me know Abby……..
June 4, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Abilify – Class Action Law Suit. Is anyone aware of a Class Action against the makers of Abilify? My mother died when she was prescribed ABILIFY. Her Medical Records said “Never Give her Abilify” but the doctors failed to read her medical records and she died. Cause of Death: ABILIFY – Side Effects: Trembling, Loss of Mobility and worse: Loss of ability to swallow food or water. End result: Starvation and soon Death.
June 6, 2009 at 10:25 am
I had lost 2 grandchildren and was depressed, was taking Klonipen, my Dr. added Abilify. I am 78. When I went to my PCP I was retaining 23 pounds of fluid, I was very swelled-feet, legs, stomach, hands, etc. I went through testing for kidneys, heart failure, and pulmonary as I was having so much trouble breathing. Also couldn’t sleep. My PCP discovered it was from the abilify and slowly stopped it. It has now been 2 months and I am still having some breathing and swelling problems. Needless to say I am very angry and have been wanting to report this.
July 26, 2009 at 8:00 am
Lou,
Glad you are feeling better and off of Abilify. Did you know that Klonipon can also cause difficulty breathing? I do not know of any psychiatric drug that is not dangerous. Check out the warnings for Klonipon: http://epilepsy.emedtv.com/klonopin/klonopin-warnings-and-precautions.html
Your Friend
August 9, 2009 at 5:55 pm
[...] Abilify law suit settlement. “The allegations were that these companies not only engaged in a pattern of kickbacks and false reporting to drive up both the sales and prices for its drugs, they also encouraged health care providers to prescribe a potent drug to both children and seniors for uses that had not been approved by the FDA,” Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker said in a prepared statement. “The drive to make certain that the bottom-line meets Wall Street expectations can never justify defrauding the taxpayers or putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk.” [...]
August 27, 2009 at 6:25 am
my son is six years he has been diagnosed with adhd since he was three he has been on several drugs now we are on adderall rx and clonidine he told his dr a story and now she says that he is bipolar and has prescribed him abilify i am not sure if i want to give it to him i am trying to help him not hurt him
August 27, 2009 at 7:24 am
Hi Michelle,
In just doing a quick search online, on Depakote, I found the article below (see link) and posted an excerpt:
“In rare cases, Depakote has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. Children may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection). Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis. Depakote can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Depakote. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.”
http://www.drugs.com/depakote.html
Depakote does not appear to be any safer!
It is great that he is off the Abilify though. I hope someone can help you on the legal aspect of your comment.
Your Friend
September 2, 2009 at 10:07 am
Does someone out there know who is entitled to the money that was settled in the different State cases, or if this was the overall settlement amount awarded to specific individuals? Also, can anyone one tell me if someone has started a class action lawsuit against them yet?
September 16, 2009 at 11:47 am
I just learned my grandson, ten, has been prescribed strattera, tenex, AND abilify. This replaced risperdal and an amphetamine-based ADHD drug. He is diagnosed ADHD and Post-traumatic stress disorder, but his true diagnosis should be ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, maybe bipolar, other emotional disturbances. All are masked by meds. I’ve never heard of so many drugs for one kid! He has had strange tics and mannerisms. I don’t know how well controlled they are. Also aggression, which seems to be under control now. I worry about side effects and cross-side effects between the three drugs…
September 18, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I took 30 mg of Abilify for over five years. I have developed abnormal movements that my neurologist has diagnosed as tardive dyskinesia caused by long term use of Abilify. My head is in constant movement floating in all directions or tightly pressing my chin against chest. My lips are also in constant movement in either a pouting, puckering or poofing position.
As a result of this and symptoms of depression I have applied for Social Security Disability Benefits because I can no longer work. The benefits are about 24% of my usual salary and although my wife works full time, my family will suffer financially because of this.
My question is … Is there a class action lawsuit underway and if not do I have any options as far as some kind of monetary compensation?
September 26, 2009 at 10:17 pm
My sister passed away yesterday from the effects of this drug. A month ago her blood sugar spiked to 998 and was rushed to the hospital in a coma. The hospital was able to save her then, but she last night it spiked again and her heart gave out from the effects of this drug. Please, please if you are currently taking this medicine, talk to your doctor. I have lost my beautiful 35 year old sister to this and if we can prevent someone else from this fate…
October 9, 2009 at 7:35 am
i am on abilify and make me stiff throughout my jonts.and i have diabete iam afraid to take this med.
October 11, 2009 at 1:08 pm
You should be afraid. Tell your doctor about the joint stiffness as soon as you can.
October 11, 2009 at 11:29 am
Dear Tosha Best:
My sister’s reactions started with joint stiffness, then she lost the ability to move at all. She was in and out of rehabs and nursing homes for the last few months of her life. Please read the Black Box warning for diabetics on this medicine and show it to your physician.
October 11, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Dear Alan,
I know what you are going through as I am also a victim of tardive dyskinesia and dystonia after taking abilify. I took just three days of the abilify back in November 2005,
and a month later I had involuntary neck muscle contractions with neck and shoulder pain and stiffness. There has been a constant tremor involving my head and neck which prevents me from writing, reading a book and even cooking. There is no way I can drive as car because of this disability. I have a limited range of movements: looking down and also looking at a computer screeen when I type. I type with my head going all the way back and I am looking at the ceiling as I type. I have had botox and it is admiunistered every 3 months. I have not had it in 6 months and I have paid the price. My pain is excruciating and it leaves me practically home bound. I am due for another injection at the Duke Diagnostic Pain Clinic in Durham, NC Dr. Alan Stacy is EXCELLENT. He does not hurt you when he administers the botox. It is a 400 mile roundtrip for me, but it is worth it. It does lessen my pain to the degree where I can do some normal task. I would love to know who is doing a class action on abilify. This drug should be totally banned. Yoiu can get tardive dyskinesia within a short period of time during treatment of abilify taking a low dose. That is a fact. This condition is a living hell!!!!!
October 20, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I have a 7 year old son that just had 2 really bad days last week, he had been on respidol and when we started seeing more defiance and aggression the Dr upped his dose well things got worse, his doctor then put him on abilify he had been on it since July along with 100 mg of Vyvanse and 80 mg of Ritalin.his aggression got so bad I wanted him off abilify. but the Dr wanted to up his dose another 5 mg so he would have been on 15 mg of abilify I then found out that it had not been approved for children and requested he be taken off the drug the doctor agreed but wanted me to start Gideon as my son was being taken off abilify, I just could not put him on another ANTIPSYCHOTIC drug, well after I followed the doctors advice on how to wean him off he seemed OK for a couple of days then all of a sudden last Monday he talked non stop all day, then Tuesday he seemed hyper and talkative but seemed OK went to school and later in the morning the teacher called to tell us how active and talkative he was we ask if we should come to the school to pick him up and she thought he would be OK, well when he got home that afternoon he had tics all over there was not a part of his little body that wasn’t moving so I took him to Kosairs ER and was told he was over medicated and they could not help me, I just cried. here was my little 7 year old talking about bugs in his spine and that the other kids wanted to cut his head off and he just wanted to go to heaven , broke my heart not to mention terrified me, what was I to do not one doctor would help me or advise me on what to do I had to call the doctor that made my son like this and ask him to get my son off the medication only to have him first off not be the one to speak to me but I had to talk to his assistant . and then I ask what might have cause this and her come back was it could have been because I did not listen to the Dr and put him on the Gideon? I could not believe my ears. the doctors at the ER said” had I put him on it it would have knocked him out “, I cant even think what would have happen to him had I given that drug to him. I then found out the dose of Vyvanse that he had my son on was higher then the approved dose for and adult not only was the dose high he was giving him the medication 2 times a day , it is a once a day medication he had him on as high as 130 mg of vyvanse , but I took him off 30 mg of the vyvanse during the summer . every doctor I have spoken to since this started is shocked that a Dr would put so much medication in to a child. right now he still has some tics and I never know when he will just go off , he gets so violent I have to hold him until he settles down. we have found another Dr and hopefully will get straightened out and I just pray he has no permanent damage. what I want is for parents to educate themselves and not to be afraid to speak up , I wish I had, I did try a couple of times and got the insinuation that he was going to drop my son , they said I needed to hospitalize him and detox him , as they had tried everything they could. he put my son on all of this medication. it breaks my heart to think of all the children out there this man is medicating. or I should say Over medicating. I hope someone reads this and gets something from what my son has been through and it helps them. I never want another parent to feel as hopeless as I did for over 48 hours and 3 hospitals.but I see a light at the end of this very long dark tunnel .
November 15, 2009 at 10:27 am
Hi Annonymous,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am sure that many parents will be able to learn from you and your son’s experience. From what I have read I found that many doctors take patients off of drugs, but do not cut them back slowly enough, which presents horrific withdrawal symptoms. There is a site that frequent often that has a book on how to cut back safely: http://www.theroadback.org/. I have a link to their free online book on the right side of my website, too. I emailed the owner who has been in this field for decades. He has a supplement program that has helped individuals. I believe it can be tailored for each person. If you wish additional help there are detox programs also listed on the right side panel that have come very highly recommended.
October 28, 2009 at 6:59 pm
My daughter would be in prison if it were not for Abilify. She has been diagnosed as schizophrenia, bi-polar, and severe depression at time. Ability is the mildest of any of the psychotic medications that she has been on. She is experiencing fewer and milder side effects than when she was prescribed other medications. The side effects she has experienced are better than the “episodes” she was having when not on medication. I beleive in as much natural healing as possible. But I would be dead right now if it was not for abilify. She was becoming more and more violent prior to being on medication. Her dosage is only 5mg and at times, she seems a little unstable but that behavior soon passes. It does seem strange that a medicine that is supposed to help an illness will have the same side effects as the illness. (Depression)
November 4, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Hi Grandmother,
I understand your frustration about the side effects of Abilify. You are right. It does not make any sense. I always suggest to find a medical doctor that is willing to explore a medical reason for unwanted behavior. Often the medication can worsen what was mild depression to begin with. Many medical conditions cause such symptoms as anxiety, nervousness and other unwanted behavior. I just read an article by a nurse stating that she sees this sort of thing all of the time. Another site suggested that metabolic and endocrine disorders also may cause mental health problems. Others have glycemic issues. It is a safe avenue to explore, but should be done until exhausted.
***Remember, never stop psychiatric drugs cold turkey! A patient must be slowly weaned from them with the help of doctor.***
And do not forget to take care of yourself, too!