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Q: Substitute for Risperdal Consta?
Dear Dr. Phelps:
I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I currecntly take
Risperdal Consta 50mg every two weeks. The medication works wonders, but
the side effects, wieght gain and male sexual problems have persisted. Is
there a substitute for this drug? Can I take diet pills? What about
pills to help with mens sexual health? These side effects did not wear
off, and your insight would be helpful.
Sincerely,
Dear Mr. N' --
You could cautiously
talk to your
doctor about trying one of the "mood stabilizer" approaches which are
described in the APA guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder and in the
Texas algorithm (both described and linked from this list of
mood
stabilizer options). These guidelines both start with lithium and valproate
(Depakote), and also olanzapine (Zyprexa) though the latter is associated with
more severe weight gain and diabetes risk than your risperidone. And the first
two are also associated with weight gain (read my description of
using
Depakote ER, which I still believe allows one to generally avoid weight gain
if appetite increases are avoided by dose reduction). Good luck with figuring
out your options.
Dr. Phelps
Published December, 2004
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