Abilify and feeling sleepy

[cntrymom08466]

The psych doc just added Abilify to my Effexor and I took it after I picked it up at 11 and I'm getting really sleepy now at 1:30 pm. Is that normal. It says it can, and the doc said maybe but at a low dose she didn't think it would. When I google it everyone talks about how it kept them up and cause insomnia. I don't know if I'm sleepy for some other reason.

 

[joeylittle]

Is that normal. It says it can,

Yes, this can happen for some people. I used to take mine at night. I'd wait and see, though - if you're still having the sleepiness after 5-7 days, you might switch your dosing time. Talk with your doc about it.

 

[cntrymom08466]

@joeylittle She had told me if I get sleepy to take it at night, which I am now. But I'm noticing I'm more short-tempered with this. Have you had experience with this medication or has anyone else? I know on some meds they say to go up it helps. She told me at 8 days take 1/2 of .5 and then at 9th day take a whole pill if I didn't feel enough difference.

 

[joeylittle]

But I'm noticing I'm more short-tempered with this. Have you had experience with this medication or has anyone else?

I didn't - but you've been on it less than a week, is that right? It's good to keep track of what you're experiencing, but I wouldn't make any decisions about it until you've gotten through the introduction period. Try and jot down some notes about when (and how) you are experiencing the short-tempered-ness. And any other mood markers.

She told me at 8 days take 1/2 of .5 and then at 9th day take a whole pill if I didn't feel enough difference.

Those notes will be helpful for when you're at day 9.

 

[cntrymom08466]

@joeylittle thank you, I appreciate it. I don't say much, but I get on here and check out things some. You've always been helpful and informative. I just get so tired of this battle. Been on medication 18 years and that's probably not long compared to some, but I want to "get well" or as well as I can and reduce some of the medication some day. Hopefully anyway.