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Is It Possible To Wean Off Ability Without Any Side Effects?

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Posted on Sat, 21 Feb 2015
Question: I HAVE JUST STARTED TAKING A COMBINATION OF PROZAC AND ABILIFY. THE DOSAGE OF ABILIFY IS 5MG AND THE PROZAC ( GENERIC FLUOXETINE HCL) IS20 MG. SO FAR I HAVE TAKEN BOTH OF THEM FOR 7 DAYS. I DECIDED I DONT WANT TO TAKE THE ABILIFY FOR VARIOUS REASONS. MY BROTHER IN LAW WAS TAKING A SIMILIAR DRUG SEROQUEL AND HE KILLED HIMSELF ON MARCH 8TH. MY QUESTION IS HOW DO I WEAN MYSELF OFF THE ABILIFY. BOTH MY PYSCH AND MY PCP DIDN'T GET BACK TO ME FOR AN ANSWER. TODAY I TOOK 1/2 OF THE ABILIFY PILL. SINCE I WAS ONLY ON ABILIFY FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME CAN I JUST GO COLD TURKEY ON THE ABILIFY? I AM A 61 FEMALE IN OTHERWISE GOOD HEALTH
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Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You can go cold turkey

Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam,

Thanks for writing to us.
Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medicine with the least side effects among various antipsychotic medicines.There is difference between seroquel and abilify. As well as your brother in law may have some different serious psychiatric problem. Seroquel may not be directly responsible for his suicide.

If you have taken decision to stop abilify 5 mg, you can stop it cold turkey. 1 week intake and 5 mg dose are not significant to cause any problem on stopping abilify cold turkey.You can stop it directly, no need to taper off.

I request you to inform your decision to your treating doctor also.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Is It Possible To Wean Off Ability Without Any Side Effects?

Brief Answer: You can go cold turkey Detailed Answer: Hello Madam, Thanks for writing to us. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medicine with the least side effects among various antipsychotic medicines.There is difference between seroquel and abilify. As well as your brother in law may have some different serious psychiatric problem. Seroquel may not be directly responsible for his suicide. If you have taken decision to stop abilify 5 mg, you can stop it cold turkey. 1 week intake and 5 mg dose are not significant to cause any problem on stopping abilify cold turkey.You can stop it directly, no need to taper off. I request you to inform your decision to your treating doctor also. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.