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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rebecca on March 24, 2000, at 22:15:23
Until 4 weeks ago, I was taking 3 mg of Risperdal, along with Celexa for depression.
The most interesting side effect that I had was lactation--pretty mild, and my doctor said it was a result of the risperdal (I've never been pregnant).But now I've been off the risperdal for 4 weeks, and still experiencing some lactation. I'm currently on 60 mg of celexa and just started on 25 mg trazodone because the celexa was giving me sleep problems.
How long should it take for the lactation to stop? Should I start to think about other causes?
Posted by Cam W. on March 24, 2000, at 22:58:39
In reply to dangling risperdal side effect?, posted by Rebecca on March 24, 2000, at 22:15:23
Rebecca - What you are experiencing is an increase in your prolactin levels. This is a fairly common side effect of Risperdal, but prolactin level increases are usually only seen if blood tests are done, specifically looking for the increases in prolactin. What you have is a physical manifestation of these increases. In men, sometimes prolactin level increases will result in gynecomastia (increase in breast size). The lactation will stop once your body rids itself of the excess prolactin (you may have to give it another week or two). The doc can prescribe bromocriptine (Parlodel in Canada), a prolactin inhibitor, but it can cause some unpleasant side effects (esp dizziness and drowsiness) and may just delay the prolactin levels from returning to normal. I would not recommend using bromocriptine unless your doctor thinks that it is necessary. Tough it out if you can and wear nipple pads for a while longer. The increased prolactin is probably only due to the Risperdal and I wouldn't worry about anything else you are taking causing it. Good luck and let us know how it goes - Cam W.
Posted by Rebecca on March 25, 2000, at 10:16:39
In reply to Re: dangling risperdal side effect?, posted by Cam W. on March 24, 2000, at 22:58:39
Thanks, Cam.
As far as lactation goes, it's really minor--would have to squeeze the nipples to get anything to come out. I find it amusing more than anything, but I was expecting it to go away by now. (I once rated all the side effects I've had from various meds, and lactation was definitely my favorite).If I go back on risperdal, should I expect it to return? And is that a problem? The lactation itself I don't consider a problem, but do increased prolactin levels have other effects that I should be concerned about?
This is the end of the thread.
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