AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007.
Author of many scientific papers.
Education/Credentials BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert
Awards and Honors The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.
Past/Present Clients See my profile in the pharmacy section.
Question I have two questions about Risperdal. I am definitely a layperson.
The first is about withdrawal. I went on 1.5 mg about three years ago. I had
been abused to the point where it physically felt like my brain tissue was
liquifying, I had intrusive thoughts, I could physically feel what happened
even though it wasn't happening anymore. I had lost my mind and thought I
had died and gone to Hell. Since being on it I have regained my sanity. But I
don't want to take it any longer. How would I know if I could get off? How
would I do it exactly?
The second question is about side effects. The risperdal makes me lactate,
not so it comes out, I found (don't ask how) if I squeeze my nipple a little
comes out. This is nasty and I don't think I should have to deal with it.
Would this go away after I stop taking it? How long would that take?
I am also taking Wellbutrin, Ortho Tricyclen Low. Valium and Ambien when I
need them. I would appreciate anything you could tell me.
Answer Dear Winni
Lactation (called galactorrhoea because it is abnormal) is a well known adverse effect of Risperdal which will stop once the drug is discontinued. It does not occur in everyone and can happen in both males and females.
You are not on a very high dose but withdrawal should not be abrupt. You should only do this in consultation with your prescriber as I am not privy to all the facts. It should not take long to ascertain whether you need to continue with it or not. The Wellbutrin will probably make the withdrawal easier (not that it is difficult anyway, as it is not an addictive drug). Try to only use Valium or Ambien if you really need them, especially the former. The OCP is of no concern.
