Letters to the Editor

My partner wrote a letter to my team of doctors, notifying them of the connection between dopamine agonists and obsessive-compulsive behavior, with gambling being one of the side effects of Mirapex. A meeting was set up with my psychiatrist.

There is no scientific evidence to support our claim that Abilify can cause OCD side effects, but as my doctors are dealing with me and not the general population, I was taken off the drug and put back on Risperdal. At that time, my partner was in control of my car keys, my checkbook and my whereabouts at all times. This situation was taking its toll on her health and mental stamina, so out-of-town detoxification was needed.

We went to my mother's cabin in northern Minnesota for nine days, where I went through withdrawal symptoms from Abilify and casinos. It was hell.

As I write this, I am feeling dirty and ashamed for what I have done. I continue to clear up the debt. It is not over for me financially. My yearly income is $9,600, and I have spent $8,500 since January of this year at the casinos.

Mary Carrick
Saint Paul, Minnesota