How serious are the side effects for abilify?
My doctor is switching me from Zyprexa to Abilify due to blood sugar problems and minor wieght gain… I know most people gain some weight from Zyprexa, how serious are the side effects for weight gain and high blood sugar like with Abilify?
Anxiety, headaches, and insomnia are among the common side effects reported with Abilify. Side effects that are not as common include hemorrhoids, gas, and acne. Most people tolerate Abilify well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The most common Abilify side effects:
•Headaches — in up to 27 percent of people
•A sedated feeling — up to 23 percent
•Agitation — up to 19 percent
•Insomnia — up to 18 percent
•Fatigue — up to 17 percent
•Anxiety — up to 17 percent
•Drowsiness — up to 16 percent
•Nausea — up to 15 percent
•Vomiting — up to 14 percent
•Restlessness — up to 12 percent
•Constipation — up to 11 percent.
Some other common side effects (occurring in 2 percent to 10 percent of people):
•Dizziness
•Indigestion or heartburn
•Shakiness (tremors)
•Weight gain
•Restlessness
•Fatigue
•Dry mouth
•Joint pain
•Throat pain
•Blurred vision
•Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
•Pain
•Cough
•Nasal congestion
•Increased salivation
•Swelling or water retention in the arms, legs, or feet.
There are a number of side effects with Abilify that you should report to your healthcare provider. Although most of these side effects are quite rare. Serious side effects include but are not limited to:
•Signs of diabetes, such as high blood sugar, increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger
•Large or rapid weight gain
•Suicidal thoughts
•High blood pressure (hypertension)
•Dizziness or fainting when going from a sitting or lying-down position to standing
•Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness
•Any abnormal muscle movements (these movements can become permanent if Abilify is not stopped quickly)
•Signs or symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can include a high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, iIrregular pulse or blood pressure, an increased heart rate (tachycardia), sweating, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
•Signs of an allergic reaction
Abilify works well for most people.