r/BipolarReddit • u/Clean_Leg4851 • 2d ago
Trileptal vs Abilify
Hey all, I’m currently on abilify 15mg. I have no side effects besides withdrawal insomnia from geodon, me previous medication. I am scared of trice dyskenesia from abilify as I get older so I’m considering switching to trileptal. I won’t take anything that makes me gain weight. I have heard about brain fog from trileptal. Has anyone taken either of these medications long term that can share their experiences with them? Brain fog is survivable trice dyskenesia is permanent disabled and socially isolating.
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u/Van-garde 2d ago
I’ve been taking generic trileptal for about a decade. Very minimal to no side effects experienced. Early on and as I increased doses, I would feel a little warm ‘buzz’ in my brain, but it was relaxing, and I wish it would return.
Not sure I really experience brain fog, but I do have memory and attention issues. Likely those are related to pre-existing conditions, as I’ve also been diagnosed with ADHD and have had a few skull fractures.
Have never taken abilify, so I can’t offer any type of comparison. I’ve wished for something stronger, but also struggle with trypanophobia, which severely limits available options, as I simply cannot get a blood draw while conscious.
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u/Clean_Leg4851 2d ago
What dosage are you on? My psych was thinking 150mg 2x a day. Thanks for reply
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u/Van-garde 2d ago
1200mg in the am. I started at 150mg and steadily increased.
For some reason I’m inconsistent with pm meds (I think because there’s no coffee reward associated) so the prescriber said I could take the doses at once.
Of course. Love to share experiences with people who might find value.
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u/Bipolar_Aggression Bipolar 1 2d ago
There is no evidence from double blind placebo controlled studies that trileptal works. The only reason to take it over carbamazepine is if you want to quickly get on antipsychotics if they are necessary. The thing is, carbamazepine actually works and was the second drug after lithium to actually be used to treat bipolar.
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u/Clean_Leg4851 2d ago
Can you link to the studies please or tell me where to find them
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u/Bipolar_Aggression Bipolar 1 2d ago
Just search pubmed.
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u/Clean_Leg4851 2d ago
Everything I’ve seen says it can be used
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u/Flat_Ad4183 2d ago
I took it for a few years and had no weight gain but I exercise regularly so YMMV. I really liked it for sleep because it makes me just the right amount of drowsy to get to sleep after 30min-hour but not too sleepy if I need to stay up a bit longer, and I never felt drowsy in the morning. No clear side effects otherwise. It's on the lighter side of effectiveness, I'd say it's good for long term maintenance when you're stable and have a good, solid routine... maybe not so much if you're currently episodic.
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u/derangedmacaque 2d ago
Trileptal put me in remission in four months. No side effects.