Finding the proper medication can significantly improve a person’s quality of life for those who are struggling with a mental health problem daily. Unfortunately, not all drugs function as they should, and some might even have unexpected effects. In this highly personal blog article, I want to discuss my own experience with the drug. Abilify (generic name: aripiprazole), how Abilify ruined my life, and how it did more harm than good to me despite being prescribed to treat my mental health problems.
What Is This Medication?
The antipsychotic drug Abilify treats a variety of mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, and Tourette syndrome. Your brain’s dopamine and serotonin levels are in order to control your mood, actions, and thoughts.
What Does Abilify Do?
Aripiprazole is prescribed to treat Tourette’s syndrome, schizophrenia, and bipolar I disorder. In order to treat depression, it may also be combined with antidepressant drugs. It functions by bringing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain into balance, which are responsible for controlling mood, actions, and thoughts. It is a member of the class of drugs known as antipsychotics. A variety of mental health issues can be treated using antipsychotics.
How Abilify Ruined My Life?
My struggle with mental illness started when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in my early twenties. My daily life and relationships suffer by my significant mood swings, depressive episodes, and manic phases. I was in desperate need of relief, so I went to a psychiatrist who put me on a treatment regimen that included the medication Abilify, with the generic name aripiprazole.
I had great expectations when I first started using Abilify. It is presented as a drug that may help me manage my symptoms, stabilize my mood, and live a better overall quality of life.
The Dark Side Of Abilify:
My experience with Abilify, however, quickly became unpleasant. I started to encounter a variety of disturbing side effects during the first several weeks. Extreme restlessness, uncontrollable movements, and akathisia—a persistent feeling of restlessness—are a few of them. I realize that I am unable to remain stationary or pay attention to anything for more than a few seconds. My body and mind seem to be in a perpetual state of conflict. I encounter the following side effects:
1. Weight Gain:
The rapid and uncontrollable weight gain is among its most upsetting side effects. I watch in anxiety as the numbers on the scale increase despite eating well and exercising frequently. This not only negatively impacts my self-esteem but also makes me worry about future health problems.
2. Emotional Sensitivity:
I become aware of another concerning side effect of Abilify as the weeks evolve into months: emotional blunting. My ability to feel any emotions seems to have been reduced by the drug, despite the fact that it is to stabilize my mood. I feel detached from the world around me and like an observer in my own life. As I struggle to emotionally connect with loved ones, my relationships slowly weaken.
3. Cost Effective:
Costly costs
My prescription for Abilify came at a high financial cost, which was another difficult load. My finances suffer greatly from the price of the drug, frequent doctor appointments, therapy sessions, and other related costs. Realizing that my struggle for mental stability was putting my finances at risk was depressing.
The Withdrawal Phase:
I made the decision to discontinue taking Abilify after months of putting up with these adverse effects. Discontinuation was a difficult procedure. I went through a variety of withdrawal symptoms, such as extreme anxiety, mood changes, nausea, and insomnia. Even though I am ultimately able to stop taking Abilify, the effects of my experience with it have a long-lasting effect on my life.
What Are The Other Side Effects Of Abilify?
- Allergic reactions
- High Blood sugar
- Muscles stiffness
- Pain
- High fever
- Dysphagia
- Seizures
- Prolonged or painful erection
- Stroke
- Suicidal thoughts
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
Conclusion:
Although difficult, my experience with Abilify has had a great impact on my life in ways I could never have imagined. Although I agree that medicine can be beneficial in the treatment of mental health issues, it’s important to use caution and be prepared to stand up for oneself when taking medication.
However, I’m now moving forward with my quest for mental health, equipped with the knowledge I gained through taking Abilify. Moreover, I hope that by sharing my experience, I will inspire others to take responsibility for their mental health and make wise pharmaceutical choices. Even if Abilify might have contributed to my problems, I have not been defined by it. I am more than the sum of my experiences, and I’m resolved to continue living with optimism and persistence.
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