What the EFF?!? I don't get it...

One of the latest drugs for bipolar disorder is just too much. The name? Abilify. What the hell?!? Did George W. Bush come up with the name for this drug? "Abilify"? Seriously. I took a gander at the site to see what the drug was all about. Its chemical name--which is aripiprazole--sounds like some sort of crazy Italian dish. Also borders on the ridiculous. Perhaps their strategy is to make you laugh at the absurd names to forget about your troubles.

Anyway, I don't know about you, but I'm just about sick of all the drug infestation out there. We are an overdrugged society, certes. In most cases, the side effects are just as bad as the problem the drug is supposedly treating. Here are some of the "possible side effects" from taking Abilify:

CONTRAINDICATION: Patients should not use ABILIFY if they are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ABILIFY. (hmmm...and how would I know if I'm allergic to it if I don't take it?) Allergic reactions have ranged from rash, hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.

Serious side effects can occur with any antipsychotic medicine, including ABILIFY. Tell your healthcare professional right away if you have any conditions or side effects, including the following:

--An increased risk of stroke and ministroke has been reported in clinical studies of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
--Very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These may be signs of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious side effect which could be fatal
--Abnormal or uncontrollable movements. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD), which may be permanent
--Diabetes, risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking ABILIFY and medicines like it. Ask your healthcare professional about the need to monitor your blood sugar level before and during treatment

Lightheadedness or faintness caused by a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) has been reported with ABILIFY.

Medicines like ABILIFY can affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you.

Since medicines like ABILIFY can impact your body's ability to reduce body temperature, you should avoid overheating and dehydration.

If you have suicidal thoughts, you should tell your healthcare professional right away.

Medicines like ABILIFY have been associated with swallowing problems (dysphagia). If you had or have swallowing problems, you should tell your healthcare professional.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of seizures, or are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, and about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking or plan to take.

Most common side effects (≥10%)(so that's more than 1 in every 10 people who take it) from all clinical trials involving adults or pediatrics include:

ADULTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), anxiety and insomnia.

PEDIATRICS (10-17 years): Uncontrolled movements, headache, sleepiness and nausea.

Wow. I think I'll pass, thanks.