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Question: Buring my adult life, I and many family members have been prone to reactive depression which is often severe, debilitating and rerquires prophjylactic antidepressants. None have symptoms of mania or suicide and none have required hospitalization.
I am now 80 and have been taking 40 mgs of citlopram for many years to prevent depression.
But during the past 6 months and since retirement I have become increasingly depressed with a high depression score, withdrawl, and suicidal ideation.
2 days ago, after psychiatric consultation, I began Abilify 2mgs each evening and continue citlopram.
The first night I slept well without dreams or morning rumination and my energy and mood was remarkable improved the next day. My only side efect was mild nausea soon after taking the medication.
Last night's sleep was the same, and today I am energized and my mood and activity level are as they are when I am not depressedit.
MY QUESTION is whether you are familiar with such a remarkable change in mood following immediately after such a small dose of this add on medication?
Thank you for your experience and opinion.
My regards. XXXXXXX Steele MD, Neurologist
I am now 80 and have been taking 40 mgs of citlopram for many years to prevent depression.
But during the past 6 months and since retirement I have become increasingly depressed with a high depression score, withdrawl, and suicidal ideation.
2 days ago, after psychiatric consultation, I began Abilify 2mgs each evening and continue citlopram.
The first night I slept well without dreams or morning rumination and my energy and mood was remarkable improved the next day. My only side efect was mild nausea soon after taking the medication.
Last night's sleep was the same, and today I am energized and my mood and activity level are as they are when I am not depressedit.
MY QUESTION is whether you are familiar with such a remarkable change in mood following immediately after such a small dose of this add on medication?
Thank you for your experience and opinion.
My regards. XXXXXXX Steele MD, Neurologist
Brief Answer:
The drug can cause quick effects
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Abilify is Aripiprazole and the drug is a second generation antipsychotic drug. The drug is used in a number of psychiatric conditions like psychosis, mania and also in depression. In low doses it is used as mood stabiliser and it also supplements action of other drugs.
You have developed improvement in a couple of days. Yes the drug can cause improvement in symptoms so early because the drug in low doses can act to relieve stress and help in sleep. This improvement caused subjective feeling of wellbeing. So no need to worry, continue to take the drug, you will see more improvement in coming days.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
Wish you a good health.
The drug can cause quick effects
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Abilify is Aripiprazole and the drug is a second generation antipsychotic drug. The drug is used in a number of psychiatric conditions like psychosis, mania and also in depression. In low doses it is used as mood stabiliser and it also supplements action of other drugs.
You have developed improvement in a couple of days. Yes the drug can cause improvement in symptoms so early because the drug in low doses can act to relieve stress and help in sleep. This improvement caused subjective feeling of wellbeing. So no need to worry, continue to take the drug, you will see more improvement in coming days.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
Wish you a good health.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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