Amisulpride-induced hyperprolactinemia is reversible following discontinuation.

Abstract Background Although amisulpride is considered to be a prolactin-raising atypical antipsychotic drug, a limited number of studies have documented the extent of its prolactin-elevating properties. In the present study the effect of amisulpride on plasma levels of prolactin and the reversibility of this untoward side effect were investigated. Methods 17 patients with various diagnoses received amisulpride (50–800 mg/day) or a combination of amisulpride plus other medication as needed. Plasma prolactin was determined 26.7 ± 9.4 days (range: 13–50 days) after initiation of treatment and in 3 cases after a much longer period, and 14–51 days following its withdrawal. Results All patients on amisulpride had hyperprolactinemia (mean ± S.D. prolactin levels: 62.5 ± 33.0 ng/ml) with females exhibiting considerably higher prolactin levels than males. Following amisulpride discontinuation prolactin levels were significantly ( p Conclusion Amisulpride has a pronounced prolactin-elevating effect which appears to be independent of dosage and duration of administration. Hyperprolactinemia rapidly reverses following amisulpride discontinuation.