Open AccessChanges in prolactin levels and sexual function in young psychotic patients after switching from long-acting injectable risperidone to paliperidone palmitate
Author(s) -
Itziar Montalvo,
Laura Ortega,
Xavi López,
Montse Solé,
Rosa Monseny,
J. Franch,
Elisabet Vilella,
Javier Labad
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international clinical psychopharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.559
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1473-5857
pISSN - 0268-1315
DOI - 10.1097/yic.0b013e32835ba832
Subject(s) - risperidone , sexual dysfunction , hyperprolactinaemia , prolactin , sexual function , paliperidone palmitate , psychosis , psychology , medicine , paliperidone , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , endocrinology , psychiatry , hormone
Hyperprolactinaemia is a significant side effect of antipsychotic medications and may cause sexual dysfunction. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of switching from long-acting injectable (LAI) risperidone to paliperidone palmitate (PP) on sexual function and prolactin levels in patients with psychosis. We carried out a prospective observational study during a 3-month period that involved 11 patients with psychosis treated with risperidone-LAI who suffered from hyperprolactinaemia and who were then switched to PP. Two assessments were completed: the first one before the switch and the second one 3 months after the switch. These assessments measured sexual function using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and assessed prolactin levels. Our results showed a significant decrease in serum prolactin levels (P=0.041). We observed a four-fold reduction in clinically significant sexual dysfunction that is suggestive of benefit, although the sample size is too small to be sure. Our study suggests that prolactin levels seem to decrease after switching from risperidone-LAI to PP in patients with a psychotic disorder.