"i am a 48 year-old woman who has had bipolar i disorder since i was 12.  it hit me severely and i have had a very difficult time with it.  during one of the latest bouts i tried abilify at 2 mg and definitely felt a bump up in my mood.  i was so so excited and totally would&#039;ve stayed on it except my appetite increased to such a degree that i immediately started gaining weight.  food was like crack - it became utterly and completely addictive.  i could not stop eating!  i would try and control it for a few days but i was utterly and totally unable to stop.  an improvement in mood was worth 10 pounds but at 13 pounds in 8 weeks and no stopping i had to stop.  super disappointed.  it is the only medication where i felt immediate relief."