Serum prolactin levels and sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics: comparison between aripiprazole and other atypical antipsychotics

OBJECTIVES: Antipsychotics, 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. METHODS: Serum prolactin levels were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate subjective sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: Based 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. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment 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.