Is weight loss possible on Abilify?

returntorural

(I apologize if I'm repeating a previously asked question. I'm new to the group.)

I'm on Ability 10 mg for GAD and MDD. I've been on it for a while an have had a very difficult time losing weight. My doctor asks me if I've gained each time I see him (I haven't, thank goodness) but that tells me the potential to gain weight (or not lose much) is there.

Has anyone had any significant success with weight loss while on Abilify?
I know that it helps me but I also know that losing weight overall would be good for my body and mind.

Cynclancurrie

I have never tried Abilify but I had a friend who had significant weight loss on it. Unfortunately, it was related to an uncontrolled mental deterioration. Since Abilify has an antipsychotic in it, you have to be extra careful about not eating when unintended. Possibly because you are actually feeling good for a change! Nothing says, "I'm happy," like a chocolate bar!

Personally, I am ranking my recovery in this order, due to recent severe problems with depression.

1. Mental Health
2. Healthy food
3. Weight loss
4. Fitness

10 mg does not sound like a crazy high dose, so I would keep trying the program at whatever calorie loss intake works for you, and see how long it takes to lose even 2 to 5 pounds. If you can lose those, you can lose more, that's my theory.

quirkytizzy

I was on Abilify a couple of times (both times removed due to akthesia) Once at 10 mgs and again at 30 mgs. I actually found I LOST weight on this drug. I was so jittery and so sleepless that I couldn't eat anything. It DID increase hunger levels, it was just that I wasn't comfortable eating on it.

But I had a bad reaction to it. I've mostly heard that people seem to do well weight-wise on it.

returntorural

Thanks so much for your input and insights!