Bipolar Support Group

Had a change of meds 8 days ago. Went from Trileptal (tapered off of that one over a six day period) to a combination of Prozac (10 mg) and Abilify (2 mg for the first two weeks and then up to 5 mg). So, here I am on day eight and feeling REALLY stoned. I wasn't sure if I would make it through the work day. My head has been buzzin non-stop. I'm ok with it, it's nothing I can't handle, other than the fact that I drive for a living so it may affect my work, but I'm just wondering if that's normal? It's my guess these side effects will taper off as my body adjusts to the new meds. Has anyone else out there had a similar experience?

I don't remember what side effects I had, if any when I took Prozac and I've never taken Abilify. I just wanted to say that I hope this levels out quickly and you're feeling like yourself again soon.

I'm on Abilify and it makes me tired, but I don't feel stoned on it. Maybe it's the combination, I don't know. I hope it wears off. Maybe give it a little time and if it doesn't then I think you should call your psychiatrist and let him know for sure. You don't want to feel that way all the time especially when you are driving for a living. I hope this side effect subsides for you!!

My boyfriend is on Lithium and Seroquel. He used to take Zyprexa, which was recently replaced with Abilify. He was suuuuuuper drowsy for about 3-4 weeks when he first started taking them all, but after then, he was normal again. That was 6 months ago, and he just added Abilify 3 weeks ago. He hasn't noticd any drowsiness with that addition tho. With the Seroquel, at first tho, it knocked him out as soon as he took it. Again, that only lasted a few weeks, and got better with each day. He also had severe joint pain with Zyprexa, which is why he had to stop it. If you google your meds, you can find some answers re normal side effects.

For what it's worth, I take my Abilify at night because it makes me sleepy.

Well, I don't really feel tired or drowsy, just kinda high. It's hard to explain, but its a strange feeling. I got called out to see a patient (I work in the DME and home oxygen field) at 12:30 last night. Yeah, I was tired, but I've driven tired and this feeling was different than just being tired. I came to a bend in a road I've driven a thousand times and my mind could not comprehend the navigation of the turn. I had to slow way down and just take my time, but it was unnerving. I've logged hundreds of thousands of miles behind the wheel and I'm no stranger to driving. It almost comes second nature anymore, so that experience was just weird. That didn't happen today in the daylight, thank goodness, but my head just seemed to be floating in the clouds all day. Like I said, not really an unpleasant thing, but if it gets too intense it could affect my job. I've googled Prozac and Abilify separately, but perhaps a search that includes both might provide more answers. I do appreciate everyone's feedback.

I can't take Prozac or Paxil or any of the SSRIs, they shoot me straight into a manic psychosis. As for Abilify - I was tried on that about a year ago because I wanted to get off the lithium and Seroquel, and it made me a zombie. I could barely function, however I could still do it. I don't remember it making me "high", I remember it making me very disoriented, tired and lethargic. Then they added Cymbalta to the mix and I ended up sitting on my back deck with my head hanging down, drool coming out of my mouth and the saddest part was I was aware of what was happening but I was so out of it I couldn't do anything about it. It took my mother coming over and seeing what state I was in and taking me to the hospital to get straightened out. Unfortunately that meant getting back on the lithium and the Seroquel, but they DO keep me somewhat in line, a little hypo but better than getting depressed.

I would certainly talk with your doctor about the side effects you are feeling. I have heard about others that have felt the same way on that med. Not sure about Prozac but maybe it is the combination. Good luck and let us know what the doc says.