Dose-dependent influence of fentanyl on prolactin, growth hormone, and mood

The effect of Fentanyl (FE), an opioid agonist, on neurosecretion and mood was investigated in normal volunteers using doses of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25 mg/70 kg. FE caused a strong dose-dependent increase in prolactin (PRL) secretion in every subject. In contrast, growth hormone (GH) was stimulated significantly at the highest dose only. Additionally, FE induced a significant increase in feeling of wellbeing measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).