Turmalina: Abilify Maintena 400mg

[Turmalina]

Hello.

I'm not sure how to start this topic... I'd like to know if it's possible to quit Abilify Maintena by tapering it off.

 

I had a psychosis episode in 2010 and I took all kinds of anti-psychotic, anti-depressant and sleeping pills since then.

I did taper off oral Olanzapine (if I remember correctly) in less than 6 months and had all kind of withdrawal symptoms which made me start taking an injection of 400mg of Aripiprazole called Abilify Maintena monthly.

My Psychiatrist said that I have to take it for the rest of my life. I want to quit it because of all the side effects I had start feeling like 20KG of weight gain and erectile dysfunction...

 

I'm 30/Male and I've been taking an injection of 400mg of Aripiprazole called Abilify Maintena since 2016 every month.

I want to know if it is possible to taper off this medication, to know if anyone tried it and how was their experience... I can answer to any questions related to my mental health history.

 

Thanks for having me.

I thought a place like this would never exist...

 

- T.

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Turmalina.

 

There are instructions about tapering off injectable Abilify at the end of the first post of the following link (written by Altostrata, founder of the site).

 

Tips for tapering off aripiprazole (Abilify)

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

[Turmalina]

Ah, yes. Thanks for pointing it out. I already read it.

I'm quoting it here so I can remember to talk about it on my next appointment:

 

Quote

Tapering injectable aripiprazole: Let it wear off, then take tablet or liquid
The injectable forms are intended to last at "therapeutic" strength for a month or more, then you would get another injection to keep up the potency.

 

• Abilify Maintena 30-day injections come in 300mg and 400mg aripiprazole dosages (also see prescribing instructions and other information)
• Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada) injections come in 300mg (4 weeks), 450mg (4 weeks), 600mg (6 weeks), 724mg (8 weeks) aripiprazole dosages (also see prescribing instructions, equivalencies to tablet dosages, and other information)

 

The blood level and side effects will be highest shortly after the injection, then wear off somewhat. Because side effects can be quite severe, a conscientious physician will prescribe the tablets first to establish your tolerance for aripiprazole. Given the very long half-life, if you have an adverse reaction to an injection, it could last a long while.

 

To go off an injection, you must let your body gradually metabolize it. Aripiprazole's half-life is long -- about 4-7 days; a tablet dose could take about 20-35 days to completely leave your body. Since an injection is intended to last a month or more, complete clearance of aripiprazole can be up to 35 days after that period is over. For example, if you get a monthly injection of aripiprazole, it will take about 2 months or more to wear off altogether.

 

(Since the injections come in a dosage range, if you are taking one of the higher injectable dosages, conceivably over months, to taper off, you might gradually lower the dosage of the injections to the lowest -- 300mg lasting a month -- then allow it to wear off. This requires the cooperation of a doctor.)

 

However, even with this gradual decline of the injectable form, you still might get withdrawal symptoms. For after the injection wears off, you might consider having liquid oral aripiprazole or tablets on hand so you can take a very small daily amount to stop withdrawal symptoms, then gradually taper off that.

 

I'll update this topic when I proceed to tapering off this drug.

[Turmalina]

Hello everyone. I just want to update this thread.

I am still taking Abilify 400mg (Injection). Indeed, today I am going to take my monthly dose. At least this medication is now free of cost - I used to pay more than €20 for it every month.

I also recommended this forum to a friend - she is tapering off slowly Fluoxitine.