Suggest Treatment For Persistent Depression Despite Taking Abilify

Posted on Sat, 26 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I've been taking Abilify for years now and will be coming off the catastrophic period for Medicare, and won't be able to afford the Abilify. I've tried Geodon and it only made me sleep and I could not function at all. I've tried Seroquel and it did nothing but let me slip deeper and deeper into depression. The only two left are Zyprexa and RIsperdone, with Zyprexa possbly causing weight problems, something I can't afford. Is there any other medicine that acts as does Abilify for major depression? I want to be able to discuss this intelligently with my psychiatrist when I see him. I'm really scared about coming off the Abilify.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Amisulpiride could be option

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand that you are looking for alternative of ability in depression.

Although I would not say anything is 100 % with guarantee but among available options amisulpiride is option. I think generic is available in US and hope you will be afford it.

The second option which comes to my mind os Loxapine which can be used in depression associated with psychosis.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (13 hours later)

I don't have a psychotic component with my depression, though I know that Abilify also treats that. It's straight clinical depression. Is amisulpiride the brand name or the generic name? I have heard of Loxapine - it definitely sounds familiar. What is its generic name? Thank you for your help. I appreciate the new information that I haven't seen before.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Both names are generic

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Both amisulpiride and loxapine are generic names and available in the United States. I understand that you do not have psychotic component but fortunately both the mentions helps in pure depression as well as psychotic depression. I mean to say that there is possibility of response.

I hope this assists you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 hours later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you very much for the information on the medications. At least I feel as if I have something of substance to speak with my psychiatrist about when I see him. We do work together as a team, I must say, but this time I am baffled because I've tried so many other medications than Abilify, and they haven't worked. This does assist me - very much so.

Many thanks and regards to you,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you for your feedback

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am really glad to know that information was useful for you.

Please ask direct questions in future using my url (http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386) So I can the direct query for timely reply.

Wish you great health ahead.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar