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Bipolar Disorder/Does Abilify cause sexual side effects?

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 7/12/2006


Question
Hello,

I'm bipolar.  I'm on Wellbutrin, Lithium, abilify, and lamictal.  None of those drugs my "shrink" said causes sexual side effects except abilify.  However, looking at the abilify website, it says that it doesn't cause any side-effects.  Does it cause sexual side-effects?  I just took a blood test to see what my testerone, etc. levels were.  So I'm in the middle of the process.

Thanks.

Pablo

Answer
Pablo:

Your concern is one many people have about psychiatric medications.  None of those you mentioned are likely to cause sexual side effects.  Every person reacts differently to a medication, however, so nobody can say these won't affect you with completely certainty.  The chances, however, are very, very low.
                          Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

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Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

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