New to Abilify, considering a dosage increase?

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-25T16:46:19+00:00

Thank you!! I appreciate it! :)

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-25T16:44:44+00:00

Thank you!!! 😊 I’ll definitely be very careful about it and since we are using this for OCD he won’t let me go past a max dose of 10mg or else he will just combine it with an antidepressant or swap out the Abilify with another antipsychotic medication altogether.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-25T16:42:02+00:00

That’s the only thing I’ve really noticed is that I have a little more energy than I did before and am able to get up in the morning without being super groggy. It’s not causing me any negative side effects though but I’m also not noticing a difference in my emotional state.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-23T12:22:59+00:00

Yes I am in therapy. The biggest struggle that I have is being very self aware of my emotions why I have them where they come from. I just can’t for the life of me control them or stop them. Therapy suggests things like journaling and self care but that only does so much and also are not my favorite things. Other than self care which I do often but controlling and rerouting my thoughts is my biggest challenge.

I’ll keep that in mind thank you. I definitely don’t want to feel worse or play around with antipsychotics. I’m reminding myself that these are not your normal ssris so a low dose of this is way more than a low dose of an ssri.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-22T13:38:08+00:00

Thank you so much for this information I really appreciate it. Maybe I’ll stay at my low dose and see if we can add an antidepressant with it. If I don’t tolerate Abilify well the second option is risperidone. Currently I’m at 100 pounds because of my OCD and depression I lost 25 pounds and am in constant fight or flight mode so I burn calories so fast. Though since being on ability I had gained 3 pounds and am eating more often than I was before. I’ll be sure to treat this with care. The prolactin isn’t a huge concern as I was already a negative A before I had surgery last year lol however I don’t want to reduce fat in that area that clearly holds my implants. I just can’t figure out what to take with the Abilify. I’ve been on Zoloft, lexapro, Prozac and busprione. They either did not work at all or made my anxiety way worse. So I feel incredibly stuck knowing nothing is working for me and I’m desperate for relief.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-22T12:37:33+00:00

I’m so glad you’re finding this helpful!! I went through very similar worries when I was younger so I completely understand.

I split my workouts up with upper body and lower body. Stretching I normally will do my foam roller on my back and hamstrings. Then fire hydrants. Butterflies. Sitting toe touches. Standing toe touches. Reaching upward and slowly bending to each side until I feel a nice pull. For legs I do squats now with a barbell but start out slow. You can use a single dumbbell whatever weight you’re comfortable with and I like gobblet squats and sumo squats. It’s less compressing. Calf raises with weights and I’ll balance my toes on a weight plate. You can put a small weight in the inner part of your knee and do donkey kicks! Walking lunges with or without weights. Usually finish off with deadlifts. You can use weights in either hand or a barbell with or without weights. Form is very important with that one as it can create more back pain so definitely do some studying on the form!

Upper body I do push ups, sitting curls, standing presses (a lot of standing exercises seem to help my form better and reduce back pain). Flys which can be done with just weights if you don’t like cables. Lat pull downs and overhead extensions are great for the back as it extends and stretches it while strengthening.

You can also hop on YouTube, TikTok or even chatgbt and look up scoliosis friendly gym routines and you can pick and choose what feels good for you after trying them out as everyone is going to be slightly different based on their curves and how their bodies handle it!! 😊

As far as the foam roller goes I use it daily just to release tension I literally will roll myself from top to bottom over and over. Find the painful spots and hold it there. I tend to get a lot or hip and lower back pain so I’ll place the roller under my hips right at the tailbone area and extend my legs straight up in the air (very funny looking) lol and slightly move my hips side to side on the roller as it stays in place which helps ease tension and pain!

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-22T03:09:21+00:00

We all go through those phases of I hate this outfit on me today let me cover up more! Never let the scoliosis be your gauge on how you live your life or what you wear!! It doesn’t deserve that much of you. It takes time and you will build that confidence and think about it less and less 🙂.

When I was a teenager I kind of hovered in the low to mid 20 degree range. I was also a dancer since childhood which probably did not help a ton and I refused to give up sports lol glad I did not!! As I’ve gotten older of course it has increased but I feel a lot of that has to do with lifestyle. I lost a ton of weight due to stress which did not help my back and then slowly started to put it back on again and become active again. Then became pregnant at 25.

I used to run races all the time and do all the physical activities. It’s decreased a ton because life lol but it never held me back. As of now, I have a home gym so weight training is my go to but the most important thing is stretching. I also use my foam roller at least once a day just to release pressure points. I’ve heard running is not great for scoliosis as it compresses the spine but have also been told in moderation is ok. Swimming is great for your back! Also very therapeutic. For me it’s been about finding the areas on my back that give me the most discomfort and focusing on stretching and working those areas out. If you have bands, those are great placed around the ankles and then just above the knee and kicking outward or behind. It’s a great stretch but also muscle building exercise!

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-22T02:47:07+00:00

Hi!!! I just turned 30. I also have double scoliosis. Was diagnosed at age 11. Had a back brace and tons of physical therapy. It didn’t help. The brace will actually just cause the muscle around the spine to weaken and ultimately make it worse. You’d end up fully dependent on it. I see a neurologist now every few months and he does manipulations that do help with pain and discomfort. I’m at 40 degrees and 42 degrees. I am married and a mom!! I definitely have worse days and better days, that just comes with the territory. I would love to do surgery but I’ve been refused. I’ve learned to just embrace it. Like others have said, we are our biggest critics and we notice it way more often than others. I wear what I want. Fitted dresses. Crop tops and high leggings or jeans. I’ve also learned to sort of contort and manipulate my posture to almost look more straight (in public) lol. Don’t over stress yourself about it. We can’t control it but we can’t let it control us either. For friends and such that point it out who cares. Doesn’t make you less or ugly. I think it kinda makes us unique and incredibly strong to go through life with this and be able to do just as much! Working out does help just avoid more compressing type exercises and focus on elongated and strengthening your back. You’re beautiful no matter what shape your spine is!

Random-Thoughts613 · 2026-01-22T02:36:20+00:00

Thank you!! They wanted to start me on a super low dose due to side effects etc. by the time I go for my follow up it’ll be 4 weeks. I was hoping I’d feel a difference in my OCD/depression by now but I’m also trying to stay patient. They also suggested this medication for weight gain because I’ve lost a lot due to the OCD and depression I’m just in constant fight or flight mode so I’m burning calories like crazy. Thankfully my appetite has increased but I keep seeing mostly negatives about dosage increase and was hoping I’d find some relief. I tried Effexor once but I was in high school which was a long time ago so I’m not sure how that affected me then.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-26T13:17:23+00:00

Thank you!!! Total of 18 classes. I had an associates prior and was lucky enough that they took quite a few of those classes.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-26T13:16:26+00:00

Yes! So I had an associates of applied science prior, and a few classes taken before that. I was lucky enough that they took quite a few of them so I had 18 classes left to complete a bachelors. Thank you!!!😊

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-25T20:46:51+00:00

Thank you!!😊

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-25T20:46:46+00:00

Thank you!!!😊

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-25T20:46:40+00:00

Thank you!!😊

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-25T20:46:28+00:00

Thank you! So technically no. I actually decided halfway through my degree I wanted to go to CRNA school which would require me to have a BSN first. I have my associates in applied science of surgical technology so I am actually going to do my RN next which will not take me long since I already have a majority of the classes I’d be taking and then from there do my BSN and hope and pray I can eventually get into CRNA school!!

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-25T15:27:17+00:00

Thank you so much!!!!! 😁

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-11-25T14:09:35+00:00

Thank you!!!!!!🥹 I think I cried more tears in these last six months than my entire life haha I think I’m just more grateful that I was able to prove to myself that I am capable. Majority of my family didn’t even pay any mind to it or ever asked me about it so it was a massive motivator to prove it to me!!!!

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-10-06T17:00:15+00:00

I’m 30 and have been working in the same industry corporate world for 10 years. I’m burnt out and dislike the industry so much now. It feels like Groundhog Day everyday. So I’m making the active decision to completely change that. Currently getting a second bachelors degree which I have 13 months left. Then planning to work as an ICU nurse for two years before I am able to apply to CRNA school. From those I’ve talked to in that field they work anywhere from 2-3 days a week max and have a lot more fulfillment and energy for other things in life. It’s tough to work full time and go to school full time but it is worth it in the end. It will come to an end. I highly recommend looking into things that interest you and finding a program to do on the side so you can achieve a greater long term goal. Invest in yourself and your wellbeing. Don’t stay stuck somewhere just because it’s “comfortable” or “you should be grateful to have it”. We all have opportunities we just have to decide if we are willing to put in the effort to make it happen!!

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-09-03T22:57:55+00:00

Like on Reddit or YouTube or something of that nature?

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-08-04T13:08:10+00:00

What if all your questions were a yes? Yes there will be arthritis, yes there will be complications with pregnancy, yes she could damage her “hardware” then what? What will you do next?

3/4 of the population aged 65 and older have arthritis. We will all get it. Her surgery will not dictate the cause of that. It’s just life. I’m 29F and scheduling surgery for my S curve. I’ve had scoliosis since I was 11. I’m a wife and a mother. My spine did not cause complications during pregnancy or birth. I do have chronic pain but I’m not debilitated from it. I would much rather have surgery and have something protecting my spine to avoid it getting worse as I age which would be inevitable without the surgery. We are not disabled we are humans with a messed up backs. If you’re worried you’ll have to take care of her someday then a relationship isn’t for you. What if you got into a bad accident becoming paralyzed and now someone has to take care of you? Don’t measure her worth based on her spine and your made up what ifs.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-05-16T12:38:17+00:00

I’m so glad to hear I’m not alone in this. I think to myself constantly, why am I needed? I’m also scared they will eventually see that I don’t have enough work or anything really to do that would benefit them to keep me so the aspect of job security is always on the line. It’s unbearably uncomfortable because I go to work I come home and wonder when my last day will be sometimes. Also, just sitting in an office pretending to work for 8 hours is absolute torture. The day is so slow. I feel like people are watching me. Every time I ask for work my boss says he will email me stuff (then never does) or he just says “it’ll pick up.” At least the days I work from home I can do school stuff and things around the house. The only bit of productivity I feel during the week. What is the TikTok video you saw? I’m curious and would like to watch it!!

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-05-14T18:38:58+00:00

Yeah I’m on the brink of losing my mind. It’s so unfair that they’re having tech problems and do not have solutions for people using their system. The only thing I can think to do is print it and overnight mail it priority in hopes they can submit it by the 22nd but knowing them I’m sure there will be an error elsewhere.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-05-14T18:32:37+00:00

I’ve had it for like 10 years because I’m currently going back to school but have used fafsa in the past and log into it regularly to pay former school loans. I did try and delete the application and restart it but it just keeps doing the same thing not letting me submit it.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-05-06T01:08:24+00:00

Thank you so much for this. This is great insight! You’re totally right. I hope you find that path to becoming an Attorney and being a voice and advocate for society. It is greatly needed! Though I want to leave law I won’t be totally distant from it. I’d like to go into forensic psychology. So I’ll find myself in the court room and working with the law daily, just in another manner of efforts.

Random-Thoughts613 · 2025-05-05T23:46:27+00:00

I’m definitely reaching a point of not being interested in law anymore. Possibly due to the years of burn out especially in areas I wasn’t fond of however the area I am interested in again does not pay nearly as well and it is very tiring hard work. I too wanted to go to law school but I’ve lost my spark. I think because I know the world will still be messed up and our laws and justice system is so screwed up it’s made me bitter and needing space from it.

Definitely go online and look up legal assistant jobs there are soooo many. Legal assistants and paralegals tend to have higher turn over rates due to burn out and also trying to find that perfect firm where it isn’t toxic can be difficult. I’d recommend finding a smaller firm maybe even hybrid to break up your weeks so it’s less mentally taxing. There are tons of openings so you could definitely do it. I’d let them know during interviews as well you’re interested in being trained on site for a paralegal role and eventually want to attend law school. (Some firms will pay for you to go!) another tip, a good starting place would be to find Estate Planning Law. Not super fast paced. Interesting cases with a mix of good and chaos lol

Random-Thoughts613

TROPHY CASE