Hi~I'm new to this forum but not new to ADD except I have just been dx with it after 20 years (I'm 32). My sDr. started me on 2mg tablets of Abilify to see how/if I respond to dopamine changes. He's known for being a terrific DR. and I'm on day 5-6 (the days he said it would start to work if it was going to at the 2mg level). That being said, I do believe it has started to give me some energy but no real focus or any other changes yet. So, I'm just curious if anyone has any input on this drug?

Thanks in advance...:)

First, welcome to the forums site. May you find a happy home here. Second, Abilify is a drug that rases dopamine levels in some areas, and lowers doapmine in others. I've been told that it has mild stimulant effects on the body, but I doubt it to be a "true" adhd drug. However, everybodys' bodys work differently. I'm not sure, but I don't think abilify will affect focus. I believe that a drug like abilify only affect behavior (in this case the energy.) Of couse, make sure to speak to the doctor before making any med changes or adjustment.

I take risperdal and I see a great deal on my mood adjustment but I got worse concentration on it. I'll be seeing the doctor today and mention that to her.

its a shame but many old school docs will start you out with "mood stablizers" these are for bipolar or anti-psychotic meds they are generally harsh with bad side effects unless you really need them for bi-polar or psychotic issues i would say clear of them. they're just affraid to prescribe controlled substances or have issues with "drugs" in general. i've seen a woman who refused categorically to prescribe stimulants for any reason based on her own values and principals Dr. Brenda Planck. my advice see a younger more informed doctor who's willing to help you make informed decisions -don't fall prey to patient syndrome. Some docs will just experiment with your brain using lousy medication unless you take responsibility for your own health decisions.

i don't know what add or adhd you have but its food for thought
children who have adhd and no say they'll throw ritalin at like cookies and cake to control them but for adults who have add issues it can be like pulling teeth out of a chicken. the drug war hasn't been helping our cause much either.

its a shame but many old school docs will start you out with "mood stablizers" these are for bipolar or anti-psychotic meds they are generally harsh with bad side effects unless you really need them for bi-polar or psychotic issues i would say clear of them. they're just affraid to prescribe controlled substances or have issues with "drugs" in general. i've seen a woman who refused categorically to prescribe stimulants for any reason based on her own values and principals Dr. Brenda Planck. my advice see a younger more informed doctor who's willing to help you make informed decisions -don't fall prey to patient syndrome. Some docs will just experiment with your brain using lousy medication unless you take responsibility for your own health decisions.

i don't know what add or adhd you have but its food for thought
children who have adhd and no say they'll throw ritalin at like cookies and cake to control them but for adults who have add issues it can be like pulling teeth out of a chicken. the drug war hasn't been helping our cause much either.Many doctors start out patients with suspected comorbid bipolar disorder on this type of med because it can be easy to confuse bipolor II/cyclothmic hypomanias with hyperactivity or worse, an increase in functionality due to stimulant medications. In the event that cormibid bipolar is suspected in addition to ADHD it is standard procedure to attempt to treat the mood disorder first, because stimulants alone are known to trigger manic events in bipolar patients.

Low doses of antipsychotic meds have a good calming effect on anxiety and hyopomania, and are good for this purpose. They are also excellent for the sensory difficultes many people with ADHD face.

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication and fits into this scenario quite well. I myself take 5 mgs 3 times a day and its done wonders for my sensory integration dysfunction :). It is mildly activating, but not so much so IMO to presume that it will increase mental clarity, although a decrease in distraction due to overwhelming sensory input may help a person with ADHD to a large extent. Perhaps the doctor merely wishes to see the OP's response to Abilify for reasons of sensory overloading? In that case if the OP responds well they may need much less of a stimulant medication.

Sounds like some sound reasoning to me. Good luck OP!

Thanks for everyones input...

Today is day 7 on Abilify (2mg). I do notice 'some' relief of some of my anxieties and a bit more energy. However, I was given 3 sample packs, 1st week 2mg, 2nd-5mg and 3rd-10mg? I've read that as one increases Abilify (partial agonist/antagonist) past 2-2.5mg it may actually raise ones anxiety and lead to an inner-sense of restlessness or a need to move about? Many people say to stay low on Abilify to keep these side effects at bay? I guess my question is: Since I only have 5mg or 10 mg tabs left should I titrate up (I guess my Dr. meant for me to do so...lol)? I could always break the 5's in half? I've been down the road with so many different SSRI's and and other AD's (and 'NONE' have worked) so I'm just was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what "MORE" Abilify would/could do?

Crazy Feet, Your post was very informative. I'm wondering about the sensory intergration dysfuction that you mentioned? I've always been a very sensitive person in many regaurds. Defenitely, most of the time, very hyper-vigilant and its very debilitating at times. I think it may be helping with that as well, but it may be too soon to tell? Sorry for the rambling...

Again, Thanks in advance...

Yes, this may or may not happen. I think if you dont' need more abilify don't take more than you need. Speak to the doctor and say you are comfortable at the 2 mg dose. Some side effects do decrease with time or go away. But, some may stay. It's best to mention your issues with the doctor too. Best of luck...

Again, welcome to the forums and have fun...