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Using aripiprazole to resolve antipsychotic-induced symptomatic hyperprolactinemia: a pilot study
Bun-Hee Lee1, Yong-Ku Kim, Sun-Hwa Park
1Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, College of Medicine, 516 Go-Jan Dong, Ansan, Kyunggi-Do 425-020, Korea.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|March 31, 2006
Summary
Switching to aripiprazole effectively resolved hyperprolactinemia symptoms in stable schizophrenic patients. This study suggests aripiprazole as a potential treatment for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antipsychotic medications can induce hyperprolactinemia, a condition causing various symptoms.
- Hyperprolactinemia is a common side effect of certain antipsychotic drugs like amisulpride and risperidone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of substituting aripiprazole for other antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients experiencing symptomatic hyperprolactinemia.
- To assess the impact of aripiprazole on serum prolactin levels and associated symptoms.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week open-label trial involving seven female schizophrenic patients with hyperprolactinemia.
- Aripiprazole (10-20 mg/day) was used as a replacement for amisulpride or risperidone.
- Efficacy was measured using PANSS and CGI-I scores, with serum prolactin levels monitored at baseline and weeks 4 and 8.
Main Results:
- Serum prolactin levels normalized within 4 weeks (8.8+/-5.5 microg/L) in all patients.
- Hyperprolactinemic symptoms were resolved in all participants.
- Two patients discontinued aripiprazole within 6 weeks due to worsening auditory hallucinations.
Conclusions:
- Switching to aripiprazole appears beneficial for resolving antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia and related symptoms.
- Aripiprazole may be a viable option for managing this side effect in schizophrenic patients, despite potential adverse effects in some individuals.