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CNS Drugs
Published in: CNS Drugs 7/2010

01-07-2010 | Review Article

Antidepressant-induced hyperprolactinaemia

incidence, mechanisms and management

Authors: Flora Coker, Prof. David Taylor

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 7/2010

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Abstract

Prolactin, a polypeptide hormone, is responsible, amongst other things, for milk production during lactation and breast enlargement during pregnancy. Numerous drugs can affect prolactin levels. Most commonly, conventional antipsychotics are associated with hyperprolactinaemia but there have also been reports of antidepressants causing hyperprolactinaemia. This review sets out to establish the incidence of antidepressant-induced hyperprolactinaemia, its possible mechanism and to determine appropriate remedial actions. Nearly all antidepressants are reported to be associated with hyperprolactinaemia. Incidence rates were not clearly established and symptoms were very rare. The mechanism by which antidepressants may cause hyperprolactinaemia is not fully understood, though several theories have been postulated, such as serotonin stimulation of GABAergic neurons and indirect modulation of prolactin release by serotonin. Patients taking antidepressants presenting to their clinician with symptoms potentially related to hyperprolactinaemia, such as galactorrhoea, should have their plasma prolactin level measured and their antidepressant changed if an increased prolactin level is confirmed. Routine monitoring of prolactin levels is otherwise not appropriate.
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Metadata
Title
Antidepressant-induced hyperprolactinaemia
incidence, mechanisms and management
Authors
Flora Coker
Prof. David Taylor
Publication date
01-07-2010
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
CNS Drugs / Issue 7/2010
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/11533140-000000000-00000

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