Re: Abilify (Aripiprazole) for depressive episode?
Originally Posted by
DeepSigh
my doctor just prescribed me 2.5mg a day of Aripiprazole for 2 weeks for a 16-day depressive episode that isn't going anywhere. (Also on 40mg Fluoxetine a day).
Was any thought given to also increasing the fluoxetine dose?
My main questions are: once the 14 days are up, might I be better enough to stop taking it and just feel like my old self again? I don't want it to just be a band-aid/plaster covering up the feelings of intense depression.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to say what will happen once you stop taking aripiprazole (Abilify), though I suspect you may need to increase the fluoxetine dose to restore order.
I'm worried that this depression is untreatable or permanent or something, which is giving me feelings of dread and major panic.
I think you are a long way from needing to worry about the depression being untreatable. Fluoxetine is not the only antidepressant. Do you also have panic disorder?
Lots of bad reviews from ppl on Reddit etc saying it made them worse....
And none from the millions who were helped by it because they are too busy living life to post about it. Please don't base your treatment choices on online reviews. They are meaningless as every case is unique.
I'm not a fan of treating depression (or anxiety disorders) with antipsychotics long term, but they can be useful in calming things down until other treatments become effective.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.