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Abilify

Abilify, legally known as aripiprazole is a drug used primarily for treatment of Schizophrenia and acute manic depression (Bipolar Disorder). A collaborative effort between Bristol Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals in the development and commercialization of this drug in the United States and European countries is providing hope to individuals living with these disorders. Although Abilify has shown to benefit adults, experts do not recommended it people 18 and under.

First approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in September of 2004 for treating acute bipolar mania, Abilify helps patient maintain efficacy. Offered in oral and tablet form, studies indicate that for the patient to experience the full effects, the drug must be administered a minimum of six weeks. However, for patients with Bipolar taking Abilify longer than six weeks, medical doctors strongly recommend periodic evaluations be performed to ensure long-term usefulness. For individuals living with manic and mixed episodes relating to Schizophrenia and Bipolar, the approval of Abilify is a very significant breakthrough, providing a glimmer of hope for the future.

While results of this medication are positive, as with any medication, Abilify does come with some potential risks, although most are rare. For example, a rare condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in a few cases. With this, the person would experience tightening of muscles, high fever, change in heartbeat, blood pressure, and pulse, profuse sweating, and confusion. Another potential risk, so considered rare is Tardive dyskinesia (TD) whereby uncontrolled and abnormal muscle movement would occur. In addition to rare instances, side effects considered more common include headache, constipation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sleep disruption, dizziness, and rash. However, the number of incidences reported is low. Although there are some risks associated with Abilify, today thousands of people are taking back control over life.

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This Week's Bipolar News

Overeating and substance abuse are similar disorders
Los Angeles Times
People with bipolar disorder have higher-than-average rates of obesity and substance abuse. But McIntyre found that the obesity rate in bipolar patients was ...

Club stoush bowls out member
The Advertiser
A MAN suffering from bipolar disorder and depression has been barred from membership at a Sydney bowling club after a clash over club bylaws.

Mom abandons 18-year-old under Nebraska safe-haven law
Richmond Times-Dispatch
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Police say a woman has abandoned her 18-year-old daughter at a hospital, saying she can't control the girl, in what may be the latest use of Nebraska's unique safe-haven law. The woman told officials at BryanLGH Medical Center West that her daughter, who was adopted, is bipolar and has a learning disability, Assistant Police Chief Jim Peschong said today.

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Featured Article:

Romancing Your Spouse

"Romancing your spouse?" Ok, I can already hear you yelling at me! I know, it's a strange concept, but hear me out. Some of the longest-running marriages have lasted because of this very concept.

You may be thinking that this has nothing to do with Bipolar Disorder, but it does. Even the best of marriages has some strain on it - the pressures of day-to-day living, at the very least. However, Bipolar Disorder puts additional pressure on your marriage because of the issues you have to face in dealing with the disorder, whether you are the survivor or the supporter.

No matter how long you've been married, the suggestions in this article can put some "spark" into your marriage. And if you've only been married a short time, putting these suggestions into place now can help ensure a long, happy, healthy marriage (of course, you will still have to do some hard work yourself to make that happen as well!).

Click here to read the entire aritcle

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