What Should I Do After Taking 40mg of Abilify Instead of My Prescribed Dose?
As a 22-year-old female, I was meant to take 20mg of Abilify, but I've accidentally been using 40mg daily for the last month. This confusion likely arose from my medications being mixed together; I have two bottles of Abilify, each containing 30 tablets, which I didn’t separate properly. They ended up mixed in with my other nighttime medications, all of which are simpler since they are just single pills except for Lamictal, which comes in a distinctive bottle. I only became aware of this error about half an hour ago. After running out of the higher dosage, I contacted my psychiatrist’s office but didn't receive a prompt response. Fortunately, I managed to secure an emergency supply of 20mg pills from the pharmacy that I’ve been taking for the last three evenings. I've also made an appointment with my primary care physician, who has sent over a new prescription, but the pharmacy indicated that I shouldn’t have run out yet. Just last night, I took my final emergency dose, and while searching for the second bottle, I came across two empty Abilify containers in my medication bag. Now I find myself in a dilemma: having adjusted to 40mg for the entire month, I'm now out of pills completely. I’m feeling anxious about how I will cope tomorrow, especially given my bipolar II condition, as I am experiencing unusual sensations without my Abilify. Who should I reach out to for help? Should I get in touch with the pharmacy, or is it better to speak with my psychiatrist or primary care physician? I need guidance on how to resolve this issue effectively. Additionally, my current medication regimen includes 500mg of Metformin, 40mg of Pantoprazole taken twice daily, 200mg of Lamictal, 50mg of Trazodone, 2mg of extended-release Guanfacine, 60mg of Duloxetine, and an unspecified dosage of Metoprolol.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 2:41:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about this situation, especially given the nature of your medications and the concerns about your mental health while adjusting dosages. The most important things right now are to ensure your safety and stabilize your situation.
Main Points:
- Seek Immediate Medical Assistance: It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare professional about the dosage mistake and your current feelings.
- Gradual Adjustment: Transitioning back to the prescribed 20mg dose should be managed carefully, especially after being on a higher dosage.
- Contact the Right People: Reach out to your psychiatrist and the pharmacy as the next steps.
Explanation:
Taking a higher dose of Abilify than prescribed can sometimes lead to increased side effects or symptoms. Since you've been on the higher dose for a month, it's important to transition back to the lower dose of 20mg cautiously to avoid withdrawal or destabilization of your condition. Anxiety and unusual sensations can arise from the sudden change in dosage, so your well-being is the priority.
Next Steps:
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Contact Your Psychiatrist Immediately: Since your psychiatrist manages your psychiatric medications, they are best equipped to provide guidance on re-establishing your treatment plan and managing any psychological symptoms you're experiencing.
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Reach Out to the Pharmacy: Inform them about the situation and ask if they can expedite a refill on the correct dosage of Abilify. Since you have already managed to secure the emergency pills previously, inquire if they can assist with getting you additional medications more quickly.
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Documentation: Make a note of your medication intake and any symptoms you’re experiencing. This can help your healthcare providers understand your situation better during your next appointment.
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Social Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a friend, family member, or support group to help manage the anxiety of this transition period.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how you're feeling over the next days, particularly as you transition back to the prescribed dose. If you experience severe symptoms (e.g., mood swings, agitation, or severe anxiety), make sure to reach out for help immediately.
Your proactive steps, including finding an emergency supply and scheduling a doctor's appointment, show that you are taking this seriously. Keep open communication with your healthcare team to find the best path forward. You’re not alone in this, and support is available.
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