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Post by savvymom1 on Jan 26, 2005 19:26:58 GMT -5
My dd, 14 was diagnosed today with bi polar, OCD and psychosis. Whew! This is on top of the ADD and Asperger's syndrome we already knew she had!
The doctor prescribed abilify. I've heard good things about this med, but she scared me to death talking about possible rare side effects. This doctor said she has approx 75 patients taking this med, but she felt she should make me aware of the side effects. She had three patients in a row who had rare bad reactions--tounge swelling, allergic rash, stiffness in neck-- all of which she said, if we see signs of to take dd to hospital immediately!!
DD has a history of weird reactions to many medicines. I told the doctor this and she said we are starting on a low dose (2 1/2 mg), and for me to keep a close eye on her for 48 hrs.
Am I being silly to be so worried? Has anyone else had a bad experience with this med? I've thought about waiting until the weekend to start it (so I can watch her) but I know she needs to start taking it NOW. What to do??? Help!!
She also takes Focalin and Zoloft. Thanks for any insight you can share!
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Post by franksmom on Jan 26, 2005 20:08:35 GMT -5
I don't know how much help I can be ,but I can tell you we recently started my son (10) on Abilify.
He is ADHD/Bipolar. We started at 10 mgs...worked up to 15mgs...and then went backwards again to 10mgs.
He has developed fears. I really feel they are from the meds because he was never like this before. He wont even go to the bathroom alone and if I go to the bathroom alone...he flips out. He is stuck to me like glue.
He is also very restless...I know part of it is the ADHD but it seems to have gotten worse. He just cant sit still.
We are sticking to the meds for a while to see if things improve after some time. I have heard so many good things from parents about Abilify that I dont want to abandon ship to soon.
Think positive and give it a good try.
Good Luck.......
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Post by Amsmom on Jan 26, 2005 21:38:25 GMT -5
savvymom  i know the fear very well. when my ds9 was put on risperdal 4 yrs ago, the psychiatrist said, "movement disorders are a very rare side effect, but if his eyes roll up in his head, rush him to the er while giving him a teaspoon of benadryl every 15 minutes."  omg i was absolutely terrified. i knew he had to be on it, he was sooo physically agressive, but i felt like i was putting poison in my baby's mouth.  thankfully, he never has had that problem (knock wood), but i was soooo scared at first. i myself tried abilify for my depression, but it just made me horribly sleepy, no other problems. if you do want to try it on a school day, maybe tell the teacher what to look out for. if you decide to wait, tomorrow is already thursday.  please keep us posted. we are here for you |
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Post by savvymom1 on Jan 27, 2005 17:23:41 GMT -5
Franksmom, I'm sorry the abilify is not giving you guys the results you are hoping for yet. Did the Dr. give you any idea of how long you need to give it? I would hate to see my child fearful on top of everything else.
Amsmom, thanks for assuring me I'm not crazy to be concerned about side effects. Lots of people take this med with no problem, but it would be just our luck to have a reaction.
Hubby and I have decided to wait until Sat am to give her the first dose. I don't like waiting, but feel like it's the only way to be sure she is OK. I don't want to leave it to the middle school teachrs to decide whether or not to cal 911 if something goes wrong.
Thanks for your response ladies.
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Post by Amsmom on Jan 27, 2005 21:00:31 GMT -5
Hubby and I have decided to wait until Sat am to give her the first dose. I don't like waiting, but feel like it's the only way to be sure she is OK. I don't want to leave it to the middle school teachrs to decide whether or not to cal 911 if something goes wrong. i think that is the best idea. good luck and keep us posted. |
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Post by franksmom on Jan 27, 2005 23:08:34 GMT -5
The doctor told me we have to give Abilify at least 7 days to see any effects.
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Burquie
New Member
We're all God's Children
Posts: 8
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Post by Burquie on Jan 29, 2005 16:49:05 GMT -5
My ds, age 15 is on 5 mg Abilify since May 2004. He has been diagnosed ADHD since age 4... takes generic ritalin, and was diagnosed with bipolar at age 13 1/2. He went on this after being on Risperdal for almost a year. (The risperdal made him gain MAJOR weight, and he developed type II diabetes.)So far the abilify has been WONDERFUL!!! It has really helped with his manic(translate:aggressive and rageful) stages. The only problem we are having is getting our Ins Company to pay for it. But we have found thru the BristolMeyers web site a program that the company will GIVE it to us for a year for free!!!! We too, are always a little freightened when it comes to a new med. But there comes a point in time when you are willing to try anything. So, I would say give it a try.... and if things don't improve, or get worse then you can always stop the med. This is all just part of the big picture of getting it right, so our kids feel better!! Good luck |
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Post by savvymom1 on Jan 29, 2005 20:38:40 GMT -5
Thanks Burquie. Success stories are always welcome! We gave dd her first dose (2 1/2 mg ) today. I look forward to giving everyone a good report in a few days or weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!
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