Abilify Or Lamictal

[trying2movefwd]

Both new to me. I am eating everything in sight!!!!! I used to count calories, eat very little a day. Im scared. It's like I can't stop eating. Im not sure which med is causing this.

 

[Stickler]

More likely to be the Abilify, it's the antipsychotic.
Question, though...how is your weight as compared to what is considered normal for your height?
If you're underweight and suddenly you find you cannot starve yourself, the meds may be working as needed.
If the med is going to inflate you like the Hindenberg, then it may be a problem.
Please put in a call to your Pdoc on Tuesday?

 

[hodge]

I would guess it's the Abilify, too. I was on Lamictal for years and it never caused that. Remeron was another story. I put on tons of weight with that despite eating only 1,000 calories a day and doing an intense workout every morning for an hour. I hated to get off it, because it really helped me sleep, but I could not stand the weight gain any more.

 

[hodge]

If you choose to get off the Abilify, please be extra careful. That was the worst med I have ever weaned off of. It made me dizzy beyond belief, practically nonfunctional. Make sure you can have a few days at home safe and sound without having to drive anywhere.

 

[Panda Bear]

It's the Abilify. How much are you taking?

I also take Abilify, but only 1mg. My eating is fine thus far. But it can really bother some people, and others not at all.

 

[Leisel]

I just wanted to say that this doesn't sound like a healthy behavior - restricting calories is a way a lot of people try to cope with trauma and one that I used as well. restricting causes your body to go into starvation mode, where it can be difficult to stop eating and feel out of control - this is called bingeing and can also be a destructive coping mechanism.
My point here is just to let you know that it's okay to overeat sometimes, you are not any less of a person or any less safe based on how much food you eat. I know that it can be very tempting but please do not stop taking the medication without first speaking with a doctor. Ultimately, when your body and mind have healed and are healthy, you will feel so much better than you do now, and the doctors are just trying to find the most effective way to do that. It's okay.
Even if you feel like you can't handle it and need to call your doctor now or in the morning, that's okay, but please know that changing the amount of meds you take without first consulting a doctor is very damaging and addictive.

Eating is okay. Food won't hurt you and you deserve to be healthy. Plus, it's easier to heal your mind when your body is nourished enough that you can think more clearly and get more sleep. I know sometimes these things can be very painful but it won't always be painful. It's going to be okay.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I agree with Abilify as Seriquel XR is doing the same and they both are anti-psycotics.

 

[joeylittle]

My own experience is like @hodge's - lamictal never affected my appetite, but abilify definitely caused a carb craving.

Question, though...how is your weight as compared to what is considered normal for your height?
If you're underweight and suddenly you find you cannot starve yourself, the meds may be working as needed.

This is an important point. And, you should most definitely follow up with your prescriber.

 

[hockeygrl17]

I have experienced weight issues on Abilify. Crazily enough, I never had a weight problem on Lithium, in fact I rarely had an appetite at all as long as I was on Lithium for the 9+ years I was on it (I never should have been put on it to begin with, but thats another long story). Anyway, I have been on Abilify (5mg every other night- aka the lowest dose option) for over 10 years. I kind of don't have anything else that works (I take it with celexa, which also doesn't help my food cravings i imagine, but I'm not sure). I am really sorry you're going through this. :(