Danfish wife Constant Hunger Pains

[Danfish]

My wife is experiencing intense hunger pains all day long, won't stop eating I told her psychiatrist on friday that I think its the 15 mg of abilify, accompanied by 1.5 mg of clonazepam might be causing this feeling. He became very protective and said not to blame the meds! She recently stopped taking the lexapro because of the shortness of breath side effect. Anyone else ever experience this intense hunger?

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Danfish.

 

Your doctor is wrong. Disruption of appetite and blood sugar is well-known and serious adverse effect from Abilify, as the manufacturer readily admits http://www.abilify.com/bipolar/side-effects.aspx

 

If I were you, I'd fire your current psychiatrist for being a jerk. You might contact this psychiatrist and see if he will minimize medications. He claims to taper

http://psychiatrists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=111836&sid=1396204895.9712_26290&state=NJ&spec=498&tr=ResultsName&trow=7&ttot=133

 

Our topic about tapering Abilify here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1896-tips-for-tapering-off-abilify-aripiprazole/

 

How long has your wife been taking Abilify? How long was she on Lexapro? How did she go off Lexapro?

[Danfish]

She had a nervous breakdown on jan 4th, thats when she started the lexapro and xanus, she was discharged from the hospital around Jan 15th that's when the psychiatrist started with the abilify 5 mg daily then upped it to 10mg, now she taking 15mg. We stopped the lexapro last Saturday because I think it was causing breathing problems. I called him and he said OK to stop the lex, I know what your going to say, we should have tapered it. I wonder if this constant hunger is a side effect of just stopping the lexapro?Anyway I think the Meds are causing her more harm than help. This is a woman who rarely ever took an aspirin prior to Jan 4th. As I said earlier, she also taking .5mg of clonazepam 3 times a day

[Altostrata]

Seems pretty likely to me it's the Abilify causing increased appetite. I've never heard of that as a result of Lexapro withdrawal.

 

My guess it was an Abilify-Lexapro interaction that caused the breathing problems.

 

See the Drug Interactions Checker here http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=703-0,233-109,1013-565

 

escitalopram ↔ aripiprazole

Applies to: Lexapro (escitalopram), Abilify (aripiprazole)

Escitalopram may increase the blood levels and effects of ARIPiprazole. This can make you more likely to develop side effects such as drowsiness, seizure, Parkinson-like symptoms, abnormal muscle movements, and low blood pressure. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if you experience agitation, aggression, confusion, convulsions, muscle spasm, or movements that you can't stop or control such as lip smacking, chewing, puckering, frowning or scowling, tongue thrusting, teeth clenching, jaw twitching, blinking, eye rolling, shaking or jerking of arms and legs, tremor, jitteriness, restlessness, pacing, and foot tapping. Also be alert to symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or increased pulse or heart rate. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how these medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position, especially at the beginning of treatment or after an increase in dose of ARIPiprazole. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

 

It was a week ago you suddenly stopped the Lexapro? Did that cause any symptoms? Cold turkey is a very, very risky move.

 

If I were you, I would not take any more advice from that doctor.

[Danfish]

We're in the process of finding another Doc, after sitting in his office for 5 minutes he's like OK, don't let the door hit you in the ass, kind of guy. This is a great forum, I like talking to people who have actuall experience in these matters

[Jemima]

Abilify is a dangerous drug and is classified as an atypical antipsychotic. I'm not sure what your wife's "nervous breakdown" was like, but I have serious doubts that she was psychotic. 15 mg. is a very high dose and is likely completely uncalled for in your wife's case.  I hope you're able to find a more responsible doctor very soon.

 

Aside from the eating problem, how is she doing?  What sort of symptoms did she have that were defined as a"nervous breakdown"?

 

Welcome to the forum, Danfish.  I'm glad you found us.

[Rhiannon]

My wife is experiencing intense hunger pains all day long, won't stop eating I told her psychiatrist on friday that I think its the 15 mg of abilify, accompanied by 1.5 mg of clonazepam might be causing this feeling. He became very protective and said not to blame the meds! She recently stopped taking the lexapro because of the shortness of breath side effect. Anyone else ever experience this intense hunger?

 

Wow, that psychiatrist sounds like a peach.