This has been the longest trough I’ve had in a while, and I’ve been spending all my spoons on work, because the cats do insist on eating.
Tomorrow begins a new adventure: My psychiatrist has prescribed Abilify. The $800/month price tag seemed a tad bit high to me. We have insurance, but the benefits don’t really kick in until we meet the absurdly high deductible. A few months of Abilify would probably do it. (We couldn’t afford the gold plan. I think ours is aluminum, or maybe tin.)
The manufacturer does offer a free month’s trial and a discount card, so at least I can see if it works for me. If it does, I’ll figure out how to pay for more. (BTW, if your meds are way expensive, check out needymeds.org. They have a database of manufacturers, discounts, requirements, and contacts. My psychotherapist turned me to that.)
When Dr. R. prescribed Abilify, he told me that it could make me restless. “How will I know whether it’s the drug or my usual twitchiness?” I asked. “You’ll know,” he said. After reading the literature, I can see what he means.
So here I am with three work assignments (not particularly tight deadlines, though) and am about to start a drug that could feel either heaven-sent or hellish. Or just “meh,” I suppose, which would leave me exactly where I am now.
Wish me luck.
And tell me if you’ve had any experiences with Abilify. I know anecdotal evidence doesn’t mean squat to scientists, but I’m interested in hearing from people who have tried it, or seen how it worked (or didn’t) for a friend or relative.
Janet Coburn
Bipolar Me 
Comments on: "Dear Folks: Sorry I Haven’t Written Lately" (6)
Luck!
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Hi! My anti-depressant didn’t seem to be working very well anymore (I blame a switch to the generic, which just doesn’t work as well for me for some reason). My dr. had me add Abilify – just 1 mg. Within days I felt so much better! I’ve been taking it for about 4 months now and am doing well. No side effects, except that once I took it in the evening and it did keep me awake. I’d suggest taking it in the morning. A week or 2 ago, I stopped taking it and within a day was back to feeling hopeless, anxious, teary. Back on it and feeling good. I hope it works as well for you as it did/does for me. Good luck!
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Good for you! I’m starting tonight, but I’m supposed to take it at bedtime and with food, so now I have an excuse for a midnight snack.
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My dr. did seem a little surprised when I said it seemed to keep me awake when I took it in the evening – I got the impression that wasn’t typical/that it affects everyone differently, so see how it affects you. You can always switch to taking it in the morning if it does keep you awake. Hope it helps!
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My insurance stopped covering Abilify this year and the cost to me went from $6 to $500. There is no way I can afford it. Fortunately the drug rep keeps my pdoc well supplied with Abilify samples so he’s been able to keep me supplied. The good news is I believe a generic will finally be available in 2015
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That is good news! (Although I have one generic drug that still costs almost $200 and my shrink doesn’t give out samples.) I do have a friend who has leftovers of a higher dose and said I could have them to cut up. Now all I need is a pill guillotine! I run out in five days, but I can still get another month supply discounted some by the manufacturer. Gives me time to figure out some other strategy.
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