Michael A: My question pertains to my 13 yr old OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) sufferer. He's on Paxil, Risperdal and Clonazepam. Is anything known about the long-term effects of using these drugs, particularly Riperdal?

Dr. Roth: Risperdal is the newest medication of those listed, and it has less known side-effects than other meds in it's class. If he is on a low dose, he should have nothing to worry about at this point.

David: For a more detailed look at the various medications, their effects and side-effects, view our psychiatric medications chart.

Whispers_with_in: Is there any medication that works well with someone who has been diagnosed Multiple Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder - (MPD, DID)?

Dr. Roth: I would use a low dose anti-psychotic medication and possibly some antidepressants.

David: For those who asked, this is Dr. Roth's website: http://www.deardrroth.com.

Dr. Roth, when a person starts taking psychiatric medications, should you plan on taking them for the rest of your life?

Dr. Roth: Again that depends on what the disorder is. If someone has a major disorder which has relapsed at least one or more times, it may be necessary to stay on it for the long-term. If it doesn't recur or recurs mildly, then it may not be necessary.

Mother of 4: Is Ritalin one of those drugs that you have to watch more closely?

Dr. Roth: Ritalin is fairly safe when taken as directed, but it can be abused.

Lori Varecka: I have an Eating Disorder and sometimes purge. None of the meds that I have taken has done me much good. Do you have a suggestion? Right now, I am on Effexor, but I had to decrease the dose because of visual disturbances.

Dr. Roth: If you can get psychotherapy with a therapist you feel comfortable with, who is knowledgeable about Eating Disorders and can see you at least once a week, I would recommend it.

Sharon1: Why is it that some of the antidepressants cause anxiety, but are given to people with anxiety disorders?

Dr. Roth: If anyone experiences the side-effect of anxiety from anti-depressants, they probably should be on a different antidepressant.

David: Also, I might mention here, for whatever reason, many people don't contact their doctor fast enough, if at all, to tell the doctor about the side-effects they are experiencing. This is very important to do. You don't have to be afraid to let your doctor know what's going on. In fact, it's very important that your doctor does know, so you can get the best care possible.

Funny Face1: My son is bipolar. He also has an alcohol problems. Isn't it true that the alcohol negates, or at least lessens, the benefits of the medication?

Dr. Roth: It can be dangerous to combine alcohol with medication, especially if he is drinking heavily, but he probably should stay on the meds in any case.

David: What are the effects of combining alcohol and lets say antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications?

Dr. Roth: It will probably increase both the sedating and the intoxicating effects. That can be very dangerous.

Brenda1: What about side-effects of medications, especially sexual dysfunction. Is there a way to deal with these?

David: And can you address that for both women and men?

Dr. Roth: Yes, that usually requires the meds dosage be adjusted, but it may also require trying a different medication if the side-effects are too problematic.

Sandrea: I have been on Prozac for 10 years and have tried to go off but I can't. I have noticed some strange behavior modes.

Dr. Roth: If the behavior changes have occurred only recently, it is unlikely it is due to Prozac. If you have been on Prozac for 10 years, and if your mood is disturbed recently, then you may need to try another antidepressant.

Henney Penney: I've heard that a medication that is effective for someone for one period of time, may not be effective when they try it again in the future. Have you found this to be true? And have you found that a medication can just become less effective over time even if there has been no change in the dosage taken?

Dr. Roth: Yes, I have seen this happen from time-to-time. I usually try to slightly increase the dose but sometimes you have to try another medication.

miri: What role should a patient play in creating medication strategies? How can a patient become well-informed with so many psychiatric medications available?

Dr. Roth: It is important the patient be completely honest about medication side-effects and any other medication or substances they are taking. You can ask your doctor and pharmacist to explain each medication, their benefits and side-effects. No one can be expected to learn about all the medications available.