This is a personal plea following my harrowing experience with Abilify (Latin name: aripiprazole). Upon prescription, I suffered from a horrific side effect known as akathisia, which manifested as an incessant urge to move or pace, leaving me unable to sit still. The discomfort was so overwhelming that at times, it left me with a desperate longing for escape, even death. Three doctors had no idea what was up?! No one put it together. Just random procedures that did nothing. This lasted nearly two and a half years until I figured it out on my own but it was then too late and in the end I lost my career, my home, my belongings, and my beloved cat.  Thanks to my Mom I had a roof over my head and began a new start.

Abilify, used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is associated with similar severe adverse effects in a considerable percentage of patients. According to FDA Adverse Event Reporting data in 2013, aripiprazole was ranked #10 in total number of side effect reports and #9 for reports of serious side effects, including akathisia (Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting, Quarterwatch Report, 2013).

It's distressing to note that such a product continues to be readily available in the market, potentially causing unnecessary harm to patients. We call for immediate action to withdraw this drug from commercialization, to prevent others from experiencing the unbearable torment it can cause. Now it's up to us to amplify the voices of those suffering. Stand with us and sign this petition today.