Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 7/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: I took risperdal for 5 years even i had breast milk then my new doctor changed it to abilify.i have zero interest for sex.is there any recommendation for me please?i take 10 mg abilify. thanks...

ANSWER: Hi Nicole . . .

While statistics from the expedience of large groups of people cannot be applied to individuals, there has been many fewer reports of sexual side effect in people taking Abilify than in those taking Risperdal. Are you saying that since switching to Abilify, you are less interested in sex than you were while taking Risperdal?

Best regards . . .
Ivan
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: while i was taking risperdal i had no interest for sex and after switching to abilify i still have no interest for sex.could it be that the side effects of risperdal still going on, even though, i stoped taking it a year ago?or may be some thing else is causing it?..also i am planing to become pregnant. my doctor told me that i should stop abilify as soos as i became pregnant. and i think that i can not do without abilify? what is your opinion?thank u so much for your time...

Answer
Hi . . .

There is no way that I can say of Abilify, Risperdal or any other antipsychotic medication is necessary for you.

I try not to prescribe many antipsychotics because of the possibility of tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome that these drugs can cause. Drug companies have brainwashed psychiatrists into believing that antipsychotic drugs are suitable as mood stabilizers in people with bipolar disorder. I prefer to use lithium, and other mood stabilizers that I consider much safer..

I cannot imagine how a drug taken a year ago can be contributing to your current sexual difficulties.

Best regards . . .
Ivan
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