In:
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 38, No. 4 ( 2018-8), p. 317-326
Abstract:
Prolactin-related adverse effects contribute to nonadherence and adverse health consequences, particularly in women with severe mental illness. Treating these adverse effects may improve treatment acceptability, adherence, and long-term outcomes. Methods/Procedures Premenopausal women with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 16-week trial of adjunct aripiprazole (5–15 mg/d). Participants had elevated prolactin ( 〉 24 ng/mL) and were experiencing galactorrhea, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, or sexual dysfunction on a prolactin-elevating antipsychotic. Participants were evaluated biweekly for prolactin elevation and galactorrhea and completed a menstrual diary review. Psychiatric symptoms and adverse effects were closely monitored. Findings/Results Forty-six women were randomized (n = 25 aripiprazole, n = 21 placebo). Thirty-seven completed at least 8 weeks of the study (n = 20 [80%] aripiprazole and n = 17 [81%] placebo). Aripiprazole (mean dose, 11.7 ± 2.4 mg/d) was effective for lowering prolactin relative to placebo ( P = 0.04). In addition, 45% (9/20) of the aripiprazole group had a normalized prolactin ( 〈 24 mg/mL) compared with 12% (2/17) of the placebo group ( P = 0.028). Galactorrhea resolved in 77% (10/13) of the aripiprazole-treated participants compared with 33% (4/12) in the placebo group ( P = 0.028). Normalization of sexual function ( 〈 16 on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale) occurred in 50% on aripiprazole (7/14) versus 9% (1/11) on placebo ( P = 0.030). No differences between groups in symptoms or adverse effects were noted. Overall, women rated a mean score of 4.6 ± 0.6 on a 5-point Likert scale for sexual function improvement, suggesting their particular satisfaction with improvement in this domain. Implications/Conclusions Building upon prior studies, this rigorous evaluation confirms the utility of adjunctive aripiprazole as a strategy for improving prolactin and managing prolactin-related adverse effects in premenopausal women with psychosis.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1533-712X
,
0271-0749
DOI:
10.1097/JCP.0000000000000898
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2057059-4
