Schizophrenic patients with increased levels of prolactin may benefit from switching to olanzapine (02/26/06)

Previous studies have shown that some schizophrenia patients also suffer from hyperprolactinemia, which means they have elevated serum levels of prolactin, a hormone that is produced by the pituitary, a part of the brain that consist of both gland tissue and nervous tissue and which stimulates the development of breast tissue and the milk production. In a study recently, the researchers investigated whether the levels of prolactin in patients with schizophrenia and hyperprolactinemia decrease when they switch from their regular antipsychotic medications to olanzapine. They also examined whether those patients that suffered from and sexual and reproductive problems (difficulties in conceiving) improved after beginning to take olanzapine.

The study subjects in the current study were 27 patients, males and females, with schizophrenia as well as hyperprolactinemia, who were on various forms of antipsychotic medication. During the study 14 of the patients switched to olanzapine, while the remaining 13 continued to take their original medication.

The results show that both the male and the female patients that switched to olanzapine experienced significant reductions in serum prolactin levels, whereas those patients who remained on the medication they were on before the study continued to be as elevated.

Those male patients that switched to olanzapine further had significantly increased free testosterone levels but there were no significant improvements in total testosterone levels. Some of the female patients that switched to olanzapine experienced a more stable menstrual cycle, as well as resolution of galactorrhea (a spontaneous flow of milk from the nipple at any time other than during nursing) while the male patients experienced resolution of gynecomastia (excessive development of male breasts). General sexual functioning was significantly improved both among the male and the female patients.

Olanzapine-treated patients experienced significantly lower levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and higher levels of low-density lipoproteins (a form of particles containing fat and protein) in the blood and their blood pressure was also increased.

The study shows that schizophrenic patients with increased levels of prolactin in the blood and who may have sexual and reproductive problems may benefit from switching from their current medication to olanzapine.

Kinon BJ, Ahl J, Liu-Seifert H, Maguire GA. Improvement in hyperprolactinemia and reproductive comorbidities in patients with schizophrenia switched from conventional antipsychotics or risperidone to olanzapine.
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2006 Feb 16; [Epub ahead of print].
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