Effect of Iloperidone on serum Prolactin in patients suffering from Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disease that is characterized by different psychopathological symptoms like disturbance of the affect, difficulty thinking or dysfunction of perception. Its lifetime prevalence is estimated at around 1%. It is well known that hyperprolactinaemia is a well documented side effect of most anti-psychotics. Hence this study was conducted to evaluate the elevation of serum prolactin levels in patients with schizophrenia on a latest second generation antipsychotic Iloperidone. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the levels and side effects of serum prolactin elevation in patients suffering from schizophrenia on treatment with atypical anti-psychotic Iloperidone. Methods: This is an open labeled, prospective study on Fifty patients (30 men and 20 women), diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM 5 (Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition) criteria on treatment with Iloperidone. This study was conducted in the department of Psychiatry, Bhaskar medical college and General Hospital. Serum Prolactin levels, and the side effects related to elevated serum prolactin were assessed. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis using SPSS 16 version. Results: It was found that the majority of the study sample was in the age group of 21-30 years, male patients, belonging to Lower middle socio economic status, had their education till secondary level. The mean serum prolactin levels were increased from 12.95 ng/ml to 16.26 ng/ml at the end of three months. There was an increasing trend of serum prolactin levels in females and a reverse trend in males. Iloperidone increased the serum prolactin levels but did not cause any prolactin related side effects. It was found that use of Iloperidone in the higher age group did not increase serum prolactin levels even at the end of 90 days. Conclusions: There is an elevation of serum prolactin with the usage of Iloperidone. Iloperidone at dose of 12-20mg/day is a safer and a better alternative treatment option for patients being treated on second generation anti-psychotics who are suffering from increase in serum prolactin and its adverse effects.