Abilify

[franksmom]

My son has been started on Abilify. First we started with 10 mgs. Now he has been upped to 15 mgs. We are using the Seroquel (50mgs.) at night only to help him sleep.
My question is this...Im noticing that my son is developing fears. They have gotten worse since the Abilify was upped to 15 mgs. Has anyone had thing problem?
He wont stay in a room alone- wont even go to the bathroom along. Pulls the shower curtain to the side so he can see in the tub before sitiing down!
It doesnt even matter if I have the lights on all over the house he is afraid and says to me ...Please dont tell anyone Im afraid! He hangs on to me all day long like another limb. I hate to give up on these meds so fast but...
I have seen some positive improvements while on the Abilify but this little clincher is driving me nuts (him too). The doctor was hoping to get him to 20mgs but I cant imaging this getting worse.

[Amsmom]

oh susan and frank to both of you
i havent had that experience, i tried abilify once for myself, but it made me too sleepy. if the fears just started, it sounds like the abilify.
since our boys have the same dx, i wanted to ask whether your dr has mentioned a mood stabilizer like depakote (which both my ds and ohmama's ds are on)
lithium is also used often, but my ds did not do well on it.
if the dr wants you to stick with an abilify-type, risperdal has helped my ds (knock wood)
please let us know how you and frank are doing.
again

[franksmom]

Yes he did mention mood stabilizers but he said he wanted to get the AP stabilized first. Helped alot with the anger and rages. I am anxious to move forward but he prefers to move slowly and increase slowly out of the hospital setting. Im happy about that becuase the first Dr, we went to started everything at once and my son went bonkers! It was horrible. He didnt do this before the Abilify so Im calling the Dr, tomorrow.

[Amsmom]

WOW!! that first "dr" was HORRIBLE!!!! not only did your poor ds go bonkers, but how are you and the dr supposed to determine which med is causing problems. what a jerk, i'm glad you dont have him anymore. this new dr sounds much better. good luck honey.