8th Abilify Update - Feeling Fair - Blood work changes and clarifying the palpitations

July 15, 2026··

Posted in:Abilify (Aripiprazole)Symptoms & Self-Care

I recently got some blood work back and noticed a couple of changes: * WBC (White Blood Cells): Currently at 4.99. Ten months ago, they were at 5.86. * Platelets: Have dropped from 215 to 166. Since the FDA label for abilify notes that low WBC and low platelets are possible side effects, I am assuming this WBC drop might be due to abilify. My hope is that as I continue to safely lower the dose, these WBC reductions will stop and start to reverse back to my normal baseline. A quick clarification on the palpitations I mentioned in my last update: I want to clear this up so no one gets needlessly scared about tapering! The heart pounding/palpitations were not a withdrawal reaction. Today, I haven't experienced any palpitation / heart pounding, or tachycardia at all. I realized that yesterday's episode happened shortly after I used a gum gel. It seems that was the actual trigger, not the taper itself. Wishing everyone a smooth journey with their own tapers!

guava378’s taper progress

Dose (mg)

Mood (/10)

- Aripiprazole / Abilify:
17-May-2026 (15mg -> 10mg)
11-July-2026 (10mg-> 7.5mg
17-Aug-2026 (7.5mg -> 5mg)
28-Sep-2026 (5mg -> 3.6mg)
10 months - actively tapering
- Procyclidine 5mg - 10 months - actively tapering
- Propranolol - 20mg - 13 months - holding
- Xanax - 0.25mg - 8 months - holding

6 Replies

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CatinaJul 15

Community AnchorEffexor

Since the FDA label for abilify notes that low WBC and low platelets are possibl..." — @guava378

Thanks for sharing. Yes, this should improve once you're off the drug.

"A quick clarification on the palpitations I mentioned in my last update: I want to clear this up so no one gets needlessly scared about tapering! The heart pounding/palpitations were not a withdrawal reaction. Today, I haven't experienced any palpitation / heart pounding, or t..." — @guava378

Very interesting! I wonder what ingredient triggered the palpitations. Do you have any idea?

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

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BasedStaffJul 15

Community AnchorEffexor

Thanks for clarifying! What type of gum gel? Like a food ingredient?

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

guava378Jul 16

Community AnchorAbilify · active

Antibacterial and antiprotozoal dental gel (Metronidazole 1% + Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.25%) @Based Psychiatrist @Catina

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CatinaJul 16

Community AnchorEffexor

Here's what AI had to say about your gum gel: Yes, this gum gel can cause heart palpitations. While topical gels are absorbed much less than oral pills, both metronidazole and chlorhexidine can trigger this side effect. Palpitations can happen if you swallow the gel, if it enters your bloodstream through irritated gums, or if you have a rare allergic reaction. Here is how the ingredients affect your heart: Metronidazole can cause a pounding or rapid heartbeat. This is much more likely if you drink alcohol while using the medication. In rare cases, it can cause changes to your heart's rhythm. Chlorhexidine Gluconate can trigger a rare, but serious, allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. A racing heart is a primary warning sign of this allergic reaction. Other signs include trouble breathing, throat tightness, or a sudden rash. What to Do Now: If your heart is racing, stop using the gel immediately. Rinse your mouth gently with water and spit it out.

guava378Jul 16

Community AnchorAbilify · active

👍 I only used it once and then stopped. I am completely fine now and haven't experienced any further palpitations.

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CatinaJul 16

Community AnchorEffexor

"I only used it once and then stopped. I am completely fine now and haven't experienced any further palpitations." — @guava378

I'm glad! I had no idea that something like that could cause that issue. We live and learn!

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