HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Ways To Wean Off Abilify

default
Posted on Fri, 11 Dec 2015
Question: Hi, I have been on 2mg of Abilify for approximately 2 1/2 weeks and I am having difficulty concentrating and want to taper off the drug. What is the safest way to do that?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you for your premium question.

The safest way to taper of Abilify 2mg is to halve the dose to 1mg now, take 1mg for a week, and then stop the drug. This will ease it out of your system. You should let your prescribing doctor know you are stopping this drug as this is an important change.

I hope this was helpful. In the future, I encourage you to reach out to me directly for continuity of care. My direct link is below.

My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 hours later)
What is the best way to lessen side effects such as the loss of concentration and a feeling of heaviness in my head?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
These side effects could be either related to Abilify, or they could be symptoms of the disease Abilify is intended to treat. If these symptoms are related to Abilify, then stopping the drug slowly should help them resolve. If they are related to the disease Abilify is treating, then another drug to replace Abilify should be considered, such as Latuda. In the meantime, the best way to deal with these symptoms is to get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, stay away from caffeine, and allow the drug to be weaned out of your system.

I hope this was helpful. In the future, I encourage you to reach out to me directly for continuity of care. My direct link is below. Please remember to rate and close this question when you are finished.

My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
What does it mean if I take the 1mg dosage and I feel like I have a cold? - stuffy nose etc.?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
I can assure you the medication is not causing this. It may be allergies or a real infection. Abilify does not cause this.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Ways To Wean Off Abilify

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thank you for your premium question. The safest way to taper of Abilify 2mg is to halve the dose to 1mg now, take 1mg for a week, and then stop the drug. This will ease it out of your system. You should let your prescribing doctor know you are stopping this drug as this is an important change. I hope this was helpful. In the future, I encourage you to reach out to me directly for continuity of care. My direct link is below. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers