Psychotropics and Hyperprolactinemia

Course overview

Hyperprolactinemia is a well-known occurrence in people who are treated with psychotropic medications, notably antipsychotic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When reviewing the clinical effects of hyperprolactinemia with patients, pharmacists and prescribers should discuss common clinical consequences and possible options for therapy. People who are treated for a serious mental illness are at higher risk of developing hyperprolactinemia than healthy people within the general population. These patients require routine serum prolactin testing and physical assessment to determine whether complications from the treatment have occurred. Hyperprolactinemia may cause clinically significant concerns that require consideration of treatment benefits and risks for a patient.