Does risperidone cause galactorrhea?

Understanding the Link Between Risperidone and Galactorrhea
Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic medication, is widely used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, one of the notable side effects associated with its use is galactorrhea, a condition characterized by the abnormal production of breast milk in individuals who are not breastfeeding. This phenomenon is primarily linked to the medication’s impact on prolactin levels in the body.
Mechanism of Action
The connection between risperidone and galactorrhea stems from its pharmacological action. Risperidone works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. Dopamine plays a crucial role in inhibiting the secretion of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates breast development and milk production. When dopamine’s inhibitory effect is diminished due to the blockade caused by risperidone, prolactin levels can rise significantly, leading to hyperprolactinemia, which is the medical term for elevated prolactin levels.
Clinical Evidence
Numerous studies and case reports have documented instances of galactorrhea in patients treated with risperidone. For example, one case highlighted an adolescent patient who developed both galactorrhea and amenorrhea shortly after starting risperidone, underscoring the drug’s potential to disrupt normal hormonal balance. Another report noted that a patient with schizoaffective disorder experienced galactorrhea and significantly elevated prolactin levels soon after initiating treatment.
Interestingly, while risperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic, it has been found to cause hyperprolactinemia more frequently than some first-generation antipsychotics. This is particularly concerning for patients, especially women of reproductive age, as the incidence of galactorrhea is notably higher in this demographic.
Duration and Resolution
The onset of galactorrhea can occur relatively quickly after starting risperidone, often within weeks. In many cases, the symptoms can resolve upon discontinuation of the medication or switching to an alternative treatment that does not have the same effect on prolactin levels. This highlights the importance of monitoring patients for signs of hyperprolactinemia and related side effects during treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, risperidone is indeed associated with the development of galactorrhea due to its mechanism of action that leads to elevated prolactin levels. Patients and healthcare providers should be aware of this potential side effect, particularly in vulnerable populations. Regular monitoring and open communication about any unusual symptoms can help manage and mitigate the risks associated with this medication.

Can risperidone cause high prolactin levels?

In contrast to the other atypicals, treatment with risperidone can result in a sustained elevated prolactin level.

Which antipsychotics cause galactorrhea?

Most cases of galactorrhea occurred under treatment with risperidone while amisulpride had the highest relative risk for galactorrhea. The high calculatory risk for galactorrhea under treatment with paliperidone is not yet statistically applicable due to low case counts, but should be observated in clinical practice.

Can risperidone cause galactorrhea?

Risperidone is known to cause hyperprolactinemia, with levels rarely exceeding 200 ng/mL. We report a case of risperidone-induced galactorrhea with prolactin levels of 416 ng/mL a few days after initiation of risperidone.

What are the symptoms of galactorrhea?

What are the symptoms of galactorrhea?

• Your breasts making milk unexpectedly.
• Not having periods, or having fewer periods.
• Vaginal dryness because of low estrogen levels.
• Sometimes, excess body hair (hirsutism)

Can risperidone cause lactating?

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Risperidone has caused elevated prolactin serum levels, gynecomastia, and galactorrhea in patients taking the drug. [18-33] In one case, euprolactinemic gynecomastia and galactorrhea occurred in a 19-year-old man who was also taking fluvoxamine.

Is galactorrhea a side effect of risperidone?

However, risperidone, one of the second-generation APMs, has been frequently associated with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea due to its potent dopamine-2 (D2) receptors blockade (Kinon et al., 2003).

Can risperidone cause breast discharge?

Higher levels of this peptide hormone can cause disturbances in menstrual cycles for women, decreased libido and impotence for men, low bone mass and a milky discharge from the nipples.

How to treat galactorrhea?

Try a medicine, such as bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel) or cabergoline, to lower your prolactin level and minimize or stop milky nipple discharge. Side effects of these medications commonly include nausea, dizziness and headaches.

Which drugs cause galactorrhea?

Possible causes of galactorrhea include:

• Medicines, such as certain sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and high blood pressure drugs.
• Opioid use.
• Herbal supplements, such as fennel, anise or fenugreek seed.
• Birth control pills.

What medication is used to stop galactorrhea?

Try a medicine, such as bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel) or cabergoline, to lower your prolactin level and minimize or stop milky nipple discharge. Side effects of these medications commonly include nausea, dizziness and headaches.