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JOURNEY THROUGH ABILIFY®
By Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ May 1, 2025
Picture displayed is general and should not be used as a pill identifier.
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Nikki’s eyes.
Nikki's Story: Journey through Abilify
LEARNING THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE
At nineteen, in February 2011, I began taking the prescription drug Abilify in addition to the three medications I was already prescribed for depression.
My current healthcare provider, a nurse practioner, explained that Abilify would be used as an add-on medication because my current treatments weren’t effective.
Accordingly, she stated Abilify would provide the extra boost needed to improve my depression.
After seven days on Abilify, I began experiencing lightheadedness and an overall feeling of sickness.
I was immediately instructed to discontinue one of my other medications, which triggered withdrawal symptoms. Subsequently, I was advised to restart the medication and taper off gradually.
Despite weeks on Abilify, my general health remained poor.
While the Abilify dosage stayed consistent for the time being, my other medications were adjusted up and down.
After a month, I was instructed to increase my Abilify dosage from 2 mg to 3 mg by cutting a portion of a pill to achieve the new dose.
Unfortunately, the process of splitting the pill was imprecise—even with a pill cutter—it often resulted in uneven or cracked pieces, making accurate dosing difficult.
As my depression worsened daily, I was advised to increase my intake to two 2 mg pills, totaling 4 mg daily. Consequently, my mood deteriorated further, prompting a return to the original 2 mg dosage. After another month of persistent symptoms, I was told to increase the dosage back to 3 mg daily, again cutting the pill for the adjustment.
Within a day, I felt shaky, irritable, and noticed an increase in appetite.
Despite months of fluctuating doses for both Abilify and my other medications, my health showed no improvement. The next proposed solution was to add Wellbutrin to my treatment plan. By early winter 2012, my overall wellness had reached a severe low point.
Being away at college complicated my situation, as I was unable to secure treatment from a doctor while out of state. I had no choice but to continue seeing the same healthcare provider.
In 2013, after enduring more than three years of mistreatment, I was finally able to switch to a psychiatrist in my home area.
Having five-star reviews, I once again found hope for my well-being.
Over the next year with my new healthcare provider, my medication was altered frequently, but I never found relief from my symptoms. My overall symptoms continued to worsen and my health deteriorated.
Yet, I was always encourage to remain on Ability.
In spring of 2014, I once again switched to another psychiatrist. Again, highly rated.
And again, I was prescribed the same protocol treatment plan of medication which included Abilify.
Taking Charge
After transitioning to yet another healthcare provider in 2015, I was once again encouraged to continue taking Abilify. It was during this time that my physical and mental health began to severely decline.
Determined to take control of my own health, I insisted on stopping Abilify.
Abilify Withdrawal
As part of the withdrawal process, I was instructed to cut the tip of the Abilify pill to gradually taper off the medication.
On September 1, 2016, I experienced a severe and immediate reaction after taking Abilify.
Initially, I felt an intense high, followed by a sudden mental crash. It felt as though my brain was splitting apart, leading to hallucinations and wildly erratic thoughts.
These episodes lasted for a few minutes, stopped abruptly, and then resumed ten minutes later. To this day, I believe I suffered a seizure during that time, although no one ever confirmed this diagnosis.
It became clear that cutting the Abilify pill to taper off was no longer a viable option, so I was prescribed Abilify in liquid form to continue the withdrawal process.
Initially, this seemed promising, but on the third day of taking the liquid dose, I began vomiting and experiencing hallucinations.
Feeling strongly that I could no longer tolerate Abilify in any form—and given I was already down to less than 2 mg—I decided to stop taking it entirely.
Intense withdrawal symptoms began the following day.
The Facts
- From 2011 to 2016, Abilify was prescribed to me by four different healthcare providers even though I openly discussed the side effects I was having
- All my healthcare providers instructed me to cut the Abilify pill even though the medication guidelines state “Swallow the tablets and the tablet with a sensor whole; do not divide, crush, or chew.”
- The combination of medications may have contributed to my side effects, but Abilify enhanced my overall unwellness.
- Chemical sensitivities were never acknowledged
- My drinking of alcohol was not taken seriously when I was first prescribed Abilify
- By my last dose of Abilify, my symptoms included:
-
- major depression
- irritability
- a rash
- high anxiety
- stomach burning/pain
- crazy thoughts
- hallucinations
- changes in appetite
- weight gain
- speech loss
- memory loss
- physical pain
- changes in vision
- seizure (never acknowledged by healthcare provider)
- excessive alcohol consumption
“My story, though personal, is far from unique. I know I’m not alone on this journey. That’s why I write alongside my mom—to provide you with the information and encouragement you need to discover a wellness path that feels right for you.” – Nikki
Aripiprazole, brand name Abilify, side effects include:
- headache
- nervousness
- restlessness
- dizziness, feeling unsteady, or having trouble keeping your balance
- heartburn
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- weight gain
- changes in appetite
- increased salivation
- pain, especially in the arms, legs, or joints
- tiredness
Serious side effects of Aripiprazole, brand name Abilify, include:
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- seizures
- changes in vision
- uncontrollable shaking of the face, tongue, or other body parts
- fever; stiff muscles; sweating; confusion; or fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- problems with coordination or increased falls
- tightening of the neck muscles
- throat tightness
- unusual and uncontrollable urges
Important warning for people who have depression:
A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who took medications for depression during clinical studies became suicidal (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so). Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. However, experts are not sure about how great this risk is and how much it should be considered in deciding whether a child or teenager should take an antidepressant. Children younger than 18 years of age should not normally take aripiprazole to treat depression, but in some cases, a doctor may decide that aripiprazole is the best medication to treat a child’s condition.
You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways when you take aripiprazole or other antidepressants even if you are an adult over age 24. You may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood). Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Sources used:
- Medlineplus.gov, Aripiprazole, accessed April 25, 2025
- Abilify, accessed April 25, 2025
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Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story and Mom’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
Medical Disclaimer: We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
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