Abstract
ObjectivesAntipsychotics, even atypical ones, can induce hyperprolactinemia. Aripiprazole (APZ), a dopamine D2 partial agonist, has a unique pharmacological profile and few side effects. We investigated the incidence of hyperprolactinemia in patients with schizophrenia treated with APZ and other antipsychotics.MethodsSerum prolactin levels were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate subjective sexual dysfunction.ResultsBased on the results of the questionnaire, approximately half (48.1%) of the patients complained of sexual dysfunction. The serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in patients with sexual dysfunction than in those without. In patients treated with antipsychotic monotherapy, the serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in patients treated with APZ than with other antipsychotics. In patients receiving 2 or more antipsychotics, the serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in patients treated with APZ-containing regimens than in patients treated with APZ-free regimens.ConclusionsTreatment with APZ did not influence the serum prolactin level, and adjunctive treatment with APZ may ameliorate the hyperprolactinemia that occurs during monotherapy with other antipsychotics.
Highlights
Antipsychotics are an effective pharmacological therapy for schizophrenia
Aripiprazole (APZ) has a unique pharmacological profile and is a partial agonist of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and an antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. This drug has few of the typical side effects of other antipsychotic drugs, such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs), hyperprolactinemia, weight gain, metabolic disorders, and sedation [12]
The present study investigated the incidence of hyperprolactinemia in patients with schizophrenia treated with APZ and other antipsychotics
Summary
Antipsychotics are an effective pharmacological therapy for schizophrenia. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have been developed recently that have effects on positive symptoms that are similar to those of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) plus a lower incidence of adverse reactions, such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs). Kirino Ann Gen Psychiatry (2017) 16:43 responsible for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia, SGAs have been implicated. Aripiprazole (APZ) has a unique pharmacological profile and is a partial agonist of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and an antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. This drug has few of the typical side effects of other antipsychotic drugs, such as EPSs, hyperprolactinemia, weight gain, metabolic disorders, and sedation [12]. APZ is often called a dopamine system stabilizer [13]
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