Trazodone induced galactorrhea: a case report

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Trazodone is a heterocyclic antidepressant.
• It functions by inhibiting selective serotonin reuptake and antagonizing 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors.
• Antidepressant-induced galactorrhea and elevated prolactin levels are rare occurrences.

Observation:

• This report details a unique case of galactorrhea.
• The condition developed after adding trazodone (100 mg/day for 2 weeks) to citalopram (40 mg/day for 6 weeks) therapy.
• The patient was undergoing treatment for depressive disorder.

Findings:

• Trazodone potentiates the serotonergic activity of citalopram.
• To date, no cases of galactorrhea associated with trazodone use have been documented.
• Galactorrhea resolved upon discontinuation of trazodone.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, adverse effect of trazodone.
• Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of trazodone-induced galactorrhea, especially in patients on combined serotonergic medications.
• Further investigation into the mechanism of trazodone-associated hyperprolactinemia may be warranted.