Bipolar Support Group

HELP! I was taking Lamictal and Abilify both medications together seemed to be the perfect match for me then I got laid off from work and all went to hell quickly. I lost my medical benefits and my DR won't talk to me anymore. Had to stop taking lamictal cold turkey but was able to get a free 90 day supply of abilify. Now I can't even leave the house. I can't drive anymore. When my fiance and I go to the grocery store I have such bad anxiety my heart is racing and my vision gets blurred. I feel like I am on drugs. I can't even talk to anyone let alone look at anyone straight in the eyes. All I do is sleep now. This is no life to live. I have also just found out that my mom has stage 2 breast cancer and has to have chemo. I really can't take anymore. I need some advice. Should I stop taking abilify all together? What is the point in taking this medicine if I can't even get out of bed. I can't get a job feeling like this either so how am I supposed to get medical insurance?

Wow you are going through a lot. Is there any low income clinic around that can help? I'd make some phone calls or have you Fiance help. There must be some kind of help out there. I am not sure you want to go back to work or can. But there is SSI and ssdi benefits you may want to check into that. Don't give up. It may take a liilte while to find some help but I really believe there must be something. Your Doc won't talk to you anymore. What a jerk. let us know how things go. feel free to pm me if you need some support.

I'm so sorry you are going through soooooo much at one time! I took abilify- and if there is one thing I know... no insurance=no abilify-----I was on 30 mg and it was close to 800 bucks a month without insurance- we always had to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed a percentage... You really need to speak with a doc and find out how to detox from it if you can't afford it- it's an antipsychotic and there are many with generic forms that are cheaper... but the lamictal was a mood stabilizer and we individuals with bipolar kinda need that one too... you really need meds is what is sound like- and there has to be something that can help... Medicaid???? I don't know... I so hope good things for you - hang in there- this will pass- although I'm sure it doesn't feel like it right now... so sorry about your mom- 2nd stage cancer is better than 4th stage if that makes ya feel any better?????? grasping at staws because I just hear and feel your desparation and pain... be VERY proactive right now and maybe you find something to help- the government doesn't want a bunch of untreated people with bipolar running around... there are even prescription discount cards you can print from the internet- if a doc prescribes a med and it has a generic and you use the discount- maybe you can scrape up the money... best wishes to you- wish I could do more.

jillybean, bfly is on the mark. You really can't take one meds, such as abilify alone, without a compliment of a mood stabilizer such as lamictal, as you've found out. And there are other atypical APs for you to try. If I were in your unfortunate shoes, I'd head to the ER to see if you can get the right meds without much cost. Then head to the Medicaid office to file for help. You'll have to fill out forms and wait for a decision, but it will be worth it. And they may give you a voucher for immediate treatment, but I'm not sure about that. I've heard that medicaid out-performs other health insurances. You might be eligible for food stamps and cash, too.

I'm sorry your doctor is refusing your needs. You'll find someone better.

HOLD ON -- Abilify HAS been approved recently by the FDA as a "STAND ALONE" treatment for Bipolar Disorder. You DON'T need to take an antidepressant OR mood stabilizer with it for it to work for Bipolar Disorder.

However, this does not necessarily mean it will work for you as a "stand alone" treatment. As you know, everybody is different.

Do NOT stop taking your Abilify altogether. It must be decreased slowly. Follow the advice of the other posters here.

Also, are you taking the generic for Lamictal -- it is very cheap.

Other antipsychotics can be used in lieu of Abilify.

Go to your local County Mental Health Center. They will set you up.

Yes, do not stop the meds you're on!

Thirded, suddenly taking ourself off an antipsychotic can be a deeply unpleasant experience and on top of that can induce cycling in some people.

ho, man, I don't even want to think about what would happen if I stopped my seroquel.

Thanks Sarah- for your clarification post- that's interesting information... I apologize for my post with misinformation! Workin with what I got... which aint a lot! LOL... Hopefully contacting local mental health center will help- still routing for ya!

I hope you will feel better soon, i don't have much more to add to the other posters, my heart goes out to you (((Hug)))