Risperidone-induced symptomatic hyperprolactinaemia in adolescents

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Apr;26(2):167-71. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000203194.58087.9a.

Abstract

Studies performed in adult patients unambiguously demonstrate a marked effect of risperidone on prolactin blood levels, with possible clinical effects related to hyperprolactinemia, such as gynecomastia and galactorrhea. However, the largest study performed in children and adolescents showed a weak effect of risperidone on prolactin concentrations during short-term treatment and a negligible effect during long-term treatment, which was probably because of the relatively low dosages of risperidone used [approximately 0.04 mg/(kg x d)]. Among the 10 psychotic adolescents treated with risperidone in our unit, we had 3 cases of gynecomastia in 3 male patients and 2 cases of galactorrhea in 2 female patients. The prolactin blood levels in these cases and in 3 other patients without apparent prolactin-related side effects were all above the normal range (median, 59 ng/mL; range, 30-123 ng/mL). Thus, risperidone administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms can strongly increase prolactin levels, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea. Given that the long-term effects of antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia are not well documented, especially regarding osteopenia, infertility, growth, and pubertal delay, risperidone should be administered with caution to children and adolescents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Female
  • Galactorrhea / blood
  • Galactorrhea / etiology
  • Gynecomastia / blood
  • Gynecomastia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / blood
  • Hyperprolactinemia / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Risperidone / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Prolactin
  • Risperidone