Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
12:57
X-Ray Visualization of Intraductal Ethanol-Based Ablative Treatment for Prevention of Breast Cancer in Rat Models
Published on: December 9, 2022
Reversible galactorrhea and prolactin elevation related to fluoxetine use
1Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA. mike.peterson@utahtelehealth.net
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine may increase prolactin levels. Discontinuing fluoxetine resolved galactorrhea and normalized prolactin in a patient experiencing these antidepressant side effects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressants.
- Estrogen replacement therapy is used for various menopausal symptoms.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman on estrogen replacement therapy developed galactorrhea (nipple discharge).
- This occurred after initiating fluoxetine for depression.
- Elevated prolactin levels were detected in the patient.
Findings:
- Fluoxetine, an SSRI, was associated with hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin).
- Discontinuation of fluoxetine led to the resolution of galactorrhea.
- Prolactin levels returned to normal after fluoxetine was stopped.
Implications:
- SSRIs like fluoxetine may induce hyperprolactinemia.
- Clinicians should monitor prolactin levels in patients on SSRIs, especially those with risk factors.
- Understanding this drug-induced effect is crucial for managing antidepressant side effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:26Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Antipsychotic drugs are a crucial treatment method for acute and chronic psychoses, bipolar illness, and behavioral disorders. The selection of these drugs depends on several factors, including the state of the disease, clinical judgment, possible drug interactions, and the patient's sensitivity to adverse effects. In immediate scenarios, such as delirium and dementia, short-term treatment with low doses of high-potency typical or atypical agents can effectively manage symptom exacerbation. For...
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
01:23Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
The elimination half-life and drug clearance of drugs following nonlinear kinetics can vary with dosage. The Michaelis-Menten parameters and drug concentration influence these factors. As the dose increases, the elimination half-life tends to lengthen, resulting in a reduction in clearance and a disproportionately larger area under the curve. The total clearance can be derived from the Michaelis-Menten equation for drugs following a one-compartment model.
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
A study on guinea pigs examined the...