Effect of aripiprazole for risperidone-induced increased prolactin level in male schizophrenia patients

Huang Nan; Su Liang; Jiang Xuefeng; Zhao Cui; Lu Zheng

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1009-6574.2019.03.006

Abstract：Objectives? To explore the effect and safety of aripiprazole for risperidone-induced increased prolactin level in male schizophrenia patients. Methods? After using risperidone for 4 weeks, a total of 60 patients were randomized to study group (risperidone combined with aripiprazole,n=30) and control group (risperidone,n=30), and then receive treatment until the end of the 8th week. Serum prolactin levels were measured at baseline, the end of the 4th week and the 8thweek. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU) side effect rating scale were assessed at baseline, the end of the 4th week and the 8th week. Results? After 4 weeks' risperidone treatment, the PRL level of both groups increased significantly (P＜0.01). At the end of the 8th week, PRL level of study group was significantly reduced than it at the 4th week (P＜0.01), and the difference from control group was statistically significant (P＜0.01). The PANSS score of both groups decreased significantly (P＜ 0.01), however there was no statistically significance between two groups. The most common adverse reactions in the two groups were breast development in male, fatigue, sleepiness, sedentary dysfunction, dystonia and tremor, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of these adverse reactions between the two groups (P＞0.05). Conclusions? Risperidone can lead to increasing PRL level of male schizophrenia patients and aripiprazole combined treatment is effective and safe for risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia, without increase of the incidence of side effects.