u/Zyprexahater

Could experienced personnel in both sectors provide pros for the transition ? Thanks

I wanted to share my experience tapering off aripiprazole because I know there are a lot of people here who are either considering a taper, currently tapering, or just trying to understand what life can look like after antipsychotics.

I’m 27, and I started antipsychotics in 2023 with olanzapine but switched to aripiprazole in 2024 at 10mg. At the time, I was also taking olanzapine 7.5mg (I’m still not entirely sure why both were prescribed together). I was prescribed antipsychotics following episodes of what my practitioner diagnosed as stress-induced psychosis.
I had three episodes in total, and each one followed a significant stressful event or difficult circumstance.

After my hospital admissions, I was told that I would likely need antipsychotics for life. At the time, that was a really difficult thing to hear because, although the medication helped stabilise me, I also felt like I wasn’t really living.
I didn’t feel like myself. I felt emotionally flat and disconnected from things that used to bring me joy. So I started researching antipsychotics, brain-altering medications, and withdrawal/tapering. Over time, I decided I wanted to slowly reduce my medication.
For context, my highest dose of aripiprazole was around 15mg. My taper looked roughly like this:
15mg → 10mg → 7.5mg → 5mg → 2.5mg → 1.25mg → 0
The taper took around two years. It was a personal decision and wasn’t supervised by my psychiatrist (I informed them rather than seeking approval beforehand). I know that tapering is a very individual decision, and I’m not suggesting anyone follow my path — I’m just sharing my own experience.

One of the biggest things I’ve struggled with throughout this journey is the idea that I was permanently diagnosed with schizophrenia. I personally have always questioned that diagnosis because, in my experience, my episodes were always linked to extreme stress or specific circumstances. I have never experienced hallucinations, heard voices, or seen things that weren’t there. My episodes were short-lived, and I recovered quickly with support and treatment.

The first time I was prescribed olanzapine, I actually stopped it abruptly because I didn’t understand what I was taking. I researched it, saw weight gain was a possible side effect, and at 24 years old I panicked and stopped.
I didn’t understand withdrawal or the risks of suddenly stopping medication, and unfortunately things escalated afterwards. Looking back, I wish I had been given more information and support around that decision.

This time, I approached things very differently. I went extremely slowly and paid close attention to how I was feeling. Interestingly, I didn’t experience noticeable withdrawal symptoms with each reduction, which is one of the reasons I felt comfortable continuing.
I have now been completely off aripiprazole for two months.

Obviously, it’s still early, and I’m very aware that recovery and adjustment can continue over months or longer. I’m staying vigilant and paying attention to any changes. I’m also not against medication in the future if I genuinely need it,I’m not trying to make a statement that antipsychotics are never necessary. I’m just reflecting on my own circumstances and my own experience.

So far, being off medication has been overwhelmingly positive.
The biggest change I’ve noticed is that I feel excitement again!

That might sound like a small thing, but it’s honestly huge to me. I feel excited about upcoming plans. I look forward to things. I actually anticipate experiences instead of just going through the motions.

For example, before, if a friend invited me to a birthday dinner, I would go and enjoy it, but I wouldn’t have that feeling beforehand of “I can’t wait for this weekend.” Over the last couple of months, I’ve started feeling that again.
The other thing I’ve noticed is that I actually feel emotions more fully. Not just happiness, but everything. I feel the lows too, but honestly, I’d rather experience the full range of emotions than feel completely numb.
While I was on aripiprazole, I felt like I was watching life happen rather than fully experiencing it.
Right now, I feel more present.
I’ll continue updating this at 6 months, 1 year, and beyond because I know the longer-term picture is important. I’m hopeful, but I’m also realistic and paying attention to myself.
If anyone has questions about my taper, my experience, or anything else, feel free to ask.

Week 5 with no withdrawal feeling like I will get full blown psychosis because of how normal I’ve been feeling
Has anyone stopped at 1.25mg and felt no different at all for 5 weeks
I had been on it for 2 years and tapered to 1.25mg before I stopped

Hi everyone,
I’m a 27F and I wanted to hear from people who have successfully come off Aripiprazole (Abilify).
I started taking it in 2024 after stress induced psychosis and was on it for about two years. I tapered very gradually from 15 mg all the way down to 1.25 mg before stopping completely. Today marks exactly 30 days since my last dose.
So far, I haven’t experienced any withdrawal symptoms at all, which has honestly surprised me. Because of that, I’m wondering:
If you experienced withdrawal, when did it start after stopping?
Is there a point where you’re generally “in the clear,” or can symptoms still show up several weeks or months later?

I stopped meds at 1.25mg

Has anyone here jumped off from 1.25 mg? If so, what was your experience? Did you have any withdrawal symptoms, and how long did they last?
I’m especially interested in hearing from people who tapered slowly, since I know that can make a big difference.
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

Hi all, I have been on aripripazole pills at varying doses for 3 years. I have been on as high as 15mg but mainly been on 2.5 mg. I had been on 1.25mg for a couple months and I am now on day 9 of 0mg. I don't feel any withdrawls yet but wondering if I should restart as I was told aripripazole is less effective if it is stopped and restarted. When does the maddness usually start? I feel the same without it/with it. I think it may no longer work?