Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 2/25/2009

Question
Hi. I have been diagnosed with bipolar and take 4mg Risperdal, 15mg Abilify, and 200mg Trazodone. I was on just Abilify and Trazodone, but used meth two months ago and had to go back on Risperdal since I was hearing voices. I ran out of my risperdal and am wondering if I am heading for trouble (I don't have insurance and the place where I get my meds won't fill my prescription until I do an eligibility appointment).

Do you think that as long as I keep taking the Abilify I should be okay? Should the Abilify work by itself? How long does it take usually for meth-induced voices to go away?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Courtney . . .

I am not allowed to give personal medical advice through the allexperts site but I can say something in general.

People who have bipolar disorder are often VERY sensitive to the effects of alcohol and other recreational drugs. Drug induced hallucinations can take months to be controlled and often require the sue of two antipsychotic medications such as Abilify + Risperdal. It is possible that some people with such hallucinations will respond to high doses of Abilify and other people, for economic reasons, might have to substitute a less expensive drug such as perphenazine or chlorpromazine, for the Risperdal.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%