HYPERPROLACTINEMIA CAUSED BY THE USE OF NEUROLEPTICS
Hyperprolactinemia caused by the use of neuroleptics (HCN) happens to be a common adverse effect of psychiatric treatment. This problem occurs more frequently in women of child-bearing age. The neuroleptics can be divided into two groups – according to their effect on the prolactin level – specifically, ‘prolactin increasing’ and ‘prolactin preserving’ ones. According to literary data, the HCN leads to disordered menstrual cycle, galactorrhea and hypogonadism in women,and predominantly impaired sexual function in men. For correction of this disorder, the authors recommend a change of the neuroleptic used for another one that does not increase the prolactin level so much – with regard for the mental condition of the patient – and adding to therapy dopamine agonists.