Antipsychotic-induced Hyperprolactinemia: Pathophysiology and Clinical Consequences

Hyperprolactinemia is one of the major adverse effects of antipsychotic agents. Although it is predominantly associated with the use of conventional or typical agents, atypical agents also cause varying degrees of hyperprolactinemia. Clinical manifestations, which tend to be underrecognized, are the result of the direct action of prolactin on its target tissues and of the sequelae of hypogonadism secondary to hyperprolactinemia. Long-term consequences of hyperprolactinemia may be serious; therefore, physicians must be alert to the signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia when monitoring their patients. (Adv Stud Med. 2004;4(10F):S982-S986)