Why does risperidone cause galactorrhea? What is galactorrhea?

1. Dr Anu Priya J
AntipsychoticsandGalactorrhea

2. AntipsychoticsandGalactorrhea
•Consumption ofcertain Antipsychotics,
notablyRisperidone leadstoasideeffectof
milkynippledischargeunrelated tothenormal
milkproduction ofbreast-feeding, termed as
galactorrhea.
WHY??

3. Reason: Increased level of Prolactin
Mechanism:
• Dopamine normally inhibits Prolactin
Antipsychotics decrease the level of Dopamine
When Dopamine is low, there is no inhibition of Prolactin
•Prolactin level rises, thereby causing galactorrhea