My Lived Experience with Aripiprazole

Unveiling the Iatrogenic Effects

Introduction:

When I was first prescribed Aripiprazole as a switch from Olanzapine, little did I know the journey that awaited me. Intended to address my supposed Bipolar 1 diagnosis and the weight gain associated with my previous medication, Aripiprazole brought both relief and unexpected challenges. Over a decade of being on the 15mg maintenance dose, I gradually began to realise the iatrogenic effects that manifested. In this article, I will share my personal experiences and shed light on the hidden consequences of Aripiprazole.

The Initial Effects and Challenges:

Initially, Aripiprazole offered a respite from the weight gain caused by Olanzapine, but it also dulled my mind and creativity. It felt as though my writer's block was induced, leaving me devoid of inspiration. Moreover, I developed various compulsive issues and addictions such as gambling, shopping sprees, and overeating. These challenges persisted until I mustered the courage to confront them.

Recognising the Iatrogenic Effects:

It took over eight years for me to connect the dots between Aripiprazole and my compulsive behaviours. The symptoms were characterised by an inability to control certain habits and addictions, regardless of my own willpower. This insidious nature of the iatrogenic effects made it difficult to identify the true cause of my struggles.

Impact on Well-being and Relationships:

The iatrogenic effects of Aripiprazole took a toll on both my well-being and my relationships. Financial strain resulted from my compulsive gambling, and my marriage faced significant challenges. My wife, unaware of the medication's role, grew frustrated and even threatened divorce, unaware that the medication was effectively responsible for my behaviour.

Seeking Guidance and Reducing Dosage:

After reaching a breaking point, I sought help from the UK's national problem gambling clinic. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) provided valuable insights, and an instruction was sent to reduce my Aripiprazole dosage promptly. Gradually, I tapered down from 15mg to 10mg over six months and then to 5mg over another six months. Remarkably, as the dose reduced, so did my compulsive behaviours.

The Lack of Awareness and Support:

Unfortunately, the link between Aripiprazole and compulsive addictions remains largely unrecognised. There is a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals and even within support systems. My family, at times, treated my struggles with contempt, finding it difficult to accept that the medication was to blame.

Coping and Lessons Learned:

Over time, I discovered coping strategies to manage the iatrogenic effects. Staying away from triggers related to gambling became easier as the medication dosage decreased in my system. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that over-medication is a genuine problem, and there is no one-size-fits-all maintenance dose. Better monitoring and early intervention by healthcare providers are essential to address such effects, even if it may be uncomfortable for them to discuss.

Conclusion:

My lived experience with Aripiprazole and its iatrogenic effects has been challenging yet enlightening. It is vital to shed light on the potential consequences of psychiatric medications and advocate for individualised treatment plans. By sharing our stories and demanding better awareness, we can help others navigate their own journeys and prevent unnecessary hardships caused by over-medication.

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Disclaimer: The experiences shared in this article are personal and may not reflect everyone's experience with Aripiprazole. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.