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Abilify for mild depression

Went to docs with unrelated problems but in talking my anxiety was evident and she asked about depression and I told her I wasn't suicidal and no desire to hurt myself or anyone else just was having a difficult time seeing the good in anything. Everyday tasks seemed very hard to do. Zero motivation although i do function well enough to get thru my days. i have never taken antidepressants before I am 33 yo male. She recommended I try meds. I asked for a very low dose of something and she prescribed 2 mg abilify every night before bed. After going home and reading about this drug I'm super apprehensive about it! Trust my doc, she has been great for 3 years now but I'm a little nervous bout taking this. Any advice? Experience? It is not as an add on. I take no other meds for anxiety or depression. ThAnks so much!
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Avatar universal
Don't take it go back and ask for  a ssri anti depressant.  These will also help some with anxiety.
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
Well, what you have read is correct. Abilify is actually an antipsychotic drug that has anti-depressant properties. Usually Abilify is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and as an adjunct therapy (add on therapy) for major depression. The treatment prescribed depends on your psychiatrist’s assessment of your case. However, the dose prescribed is the lowest for the drug.

Treatment for depression usually begins with a low dose of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Some doctors prescribe benzodiazepines too. Also psychoanalysis and various forms of behavior therapies are used to treat depression and anxiety. They are shown to be really helpful in treating mild anxiety and depression.

It would be worthwhile to discuss your case and diagnosis with your doctor. If you are not taking any other drugs for depression, then normally your doctor would not start you straight on Abilify, a dopamine agonist. However, as I said, on net a detailed therapy session, psychoanalysis and psycho-assessment is not possible. So, please discuss this with your doctor.

I sincerely hope you will find this information useful in your journey towards better health.
Good Luck and take care!
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