matth543: Abilify damage idk what to do

[matth543]

Hi i was hospitalized in feb for mental health reasons basically a panic attack. they put me on abilify, i have no mental condition (schizo, bipolar etc) I have been extremely stupid, clumsy, forgetful since being on it. I was only on it for a few a week and when i came out of the hospital i couldnt do things i could normally do anymore, i went off it and everything stayed the same. I felt so awful feeling this way i went back into a hospital and they putting me back on it and i ended up going off it again a month later cause i knew its what was causing all the problems. Im seeing a neurologist next week i want to figure out if i have brain damage and i also might have TD the movement disorder that abilify can cause cause im pretty sure my hands are twitchy and shaky. I know my brain isnt normal because I compete in esports (video games) and I havent been able to since i started abilify, inaccurate, poor judgement, and just really bad at it now. I also have a hard time forming sentences i just cant think of the right words sometimes i feel so stupid. I feel like the rest of my life is ruined, ill never be able to go to school like these, compete which i was planning on making my career for a long time, or even get a decent job because of how dumb and clumsy i am. its been a year so it feels like brain damage i dont really have any hope anymore. I feel like things get better for people but they probably dont fully recover. Not everyone does something like i do that is pushing their mind to its limits constantly so thats why its effecting me so much. I just dont want to live like this anymore im only 20 and it feels like my life is over. 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, matth543.  I'm sorry you're going through this.  

 

Since you were on the Abilify for only a short time the first time, it sounds like you had adverse reaction to the Abilify.  You're also likely suffering withdrawal from being on it for a month the second time..  The good news is that adverse reaction/withdrawal is a much more likely explanation for your brain problems than permanent brain damage.  Cognitive brain issues are a typical withdrawal symptom.   It is also typical to experience withdrawal symptoms a year (or longer) after you stop taking the drug.  The other good news is that you will recover and heal.  However, it will take some time, and we can't predict how long.  Just to prepare you, doctors generally know nothing about protracted withdrawal from psychiatric drugs and don't believe it exists.  It does.

 

So that you have a better understanding of what you're experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.  Confusion, cognitive difficulties and memory problems are included in the list.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

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

 

 

 

 

[matth543]

7 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Welcome to SA, matth543.  I'm sorry you're going through this.  

 

Since you were on the Abilify for only a short time the first time, it sounds like you had adverse reaction to the Abilify.  You're also likely suffering withdrawal from being on it for a month the second time..  The good news is that adverse reaction/withdrawal is a much more likely explanation for your brain problems than permanent brain damage.  Cognitive brain issues are a typical withdrawal symptom.   It is also typical to experience withdrawal symptoms a year (or longer) after you stop taking the drug.  The other good news is that you will recover and heal.  However, it will take some time, and we can't predict how long.  Just to prepare you, doctors generally know nothing about protracted withdrawal from psychiatric drugs and don't believe it exists.  It does.

 

So that you have a better understanding of what you're experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.  Confusion, cognitive difficulties and memory problems are included in the list.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the quick response, this makes sense to me but how is it only a withdrawal problem if i experienced the same things while still being on it? 

[Gridley]

@matth543

I believe your response to the first round was an adverse reaction.  Since in your second round you were on it a month, which is when withdrawal can be expected, I attributed your symptoms to withdrawal, but it very well could have been adverse reaction instead or a combination.  Symptoms for both are similar.  

Edited December 7, 2019 by Gridley

[Altostrata]

Welcome, matt.

 

How did you go off Abilify the last time around?

[matth543]

@Altostrata just stopped taking the pills