I have tremors on Abilify (aripiprazole). My doctor does not want to change my medication. What can I do?

27 -year-old man6 years ago
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27 -year-old man · 6 years ago
Hello, I have been taking aripiprazole 1mg in combination with fluoxetine 40mg for several months now. I have noticed positive effects on my mood and energy, but I suffer from tremors in my hands and legs that do not go away. When I tried to increase the dose to 2mg, the tremors were exacerbated, so I resigned myself to lowering the dose. My doctor is aware of this situation, but does not want to change my medication. However, I find it very uncomfortable, and the tremors are such that others notice them. Should I suggest that my doctor prescribe a beta-blocker, in your experience? Will the tremors get better if I continue to take the Abilify for a while? Would it be better to stop it completely? I'm at a loss as to what to do. NB: I have had very similar symptoms of dyskinesia related to risperidone in the past, a medication that has since been discontinued. Thank you very much for your answer!
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Hello,
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Your situation is very reminiscent of an older woman who was taking a drug called lamotrigine, in addition to aripiprazole (Abilify) and who developed symptoms similar to yours (https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.acces.bibl.ulaval.ca/pmc/articles/PMC3357571/). It is important to understand that fluoxetine (Prozac) interacts with aripiprazole, increasing its concentration in your blood and increasing the risk of side effects. This interaction occurs at the level of CYP450 2D6.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
In cases similar to yours described in the literature (https://jmedicalcasereports-biomedcentral-com.acces.bibl.ulaval.ca/articles/10.1186/1752-1947-3-6448), the tremors did not seem to reduce even though the person persisted in taking them. Stopping the medication (or switching to fluoxetine in your case, as they did for the lady taking lamotrigine) is often the right option according to my research. In cases where both drugs cannot be stopped, some doctors have tried adding not a beta-blocker, but rather one of two drugs: Sinemet and trihexyphenidyl. I suggest you talk to your doctor about our discussion.
27 -year-old man · 6 years ago
Thank you for your answer!

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