A control study of aripiprazole in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia by antipsychotics origin

Objective To explore the efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole in the treatment of hyperpro- lactinemia by antipsychotics origin.Methods 60 schizophrenic patients with hyperprolaetinemia by antipsychotics origin were randomly assigned to aripiprazole group(n=30)and placebo group(n=30)for 6 weeks,while re- ceiving original antipsychotics treatment.The prolactin(PRL)was measured at the baseline and end of study, same as the clinical symptoms of hyperprolactinemia were evaluated.The adverse effects on original antipsychotics treatment and other side effects were assessed with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale(BPRS)and the Treatment E- mergent Symptom Scale(TESS)before and after the study.Results The concentration of PRL was lower after the study [(27.5±8.2 )μg·L~(-1)]than before the study [(148.7±45.5)μg·L~(-1)]in aripiprazole group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.001),however this difference in placebo group was not statistical- ly significant before and after the study(P＞0.05).Disappearment of amenia(27/28)and spontaneous lactation (16/16)were observed in aripiprazole group,while not any change occurred in placebo group.No adverse effects on original antipsychotics treatment were recorded in any group.Other side effects were mild and the total preva- lence of side effects was similar in both groups.Conclusions Aripiprazole is effective and safe in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia by antipsychotics origin.