Treatment of psychotropic-induced hyperprolactinaemia

Prolactin, a protein hormone synthesised and released by the anterior pituitary, promotes mammary tissue development and lactation and suppresses gonadotrophin secretion. Dopamine is the natural inhibitor of prolactin release and so standard antipsychotics, which block dopamine receptors, will cause prolactin levels to rise. This hyperprolactinaemia can lead to gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea, menstrual disturbances, a reduction in sperm count, erectile dysfunction, failure of ejaculation and reduced libido. Prolactin-related adverse effects are frequently encountered in patients on antipsychotics and are a cause of substantial morbidity.