High-dose olanzapine and prolactin levels.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluates whether high-dose olanzapine is associated with elevation of serum prolactin levels.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients taking daily doses of olanzapine of 20, 25, 30, and 40 mg for DSM-IV schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder had serum prolactin levels measured. The patients were all from one author's (J.L.K.'s) clinical practice. The mean duration of olanzapine therapy was 15.3 months at a dose of at least 20 mg/day. Data were gathered in 2000 and 2001.


RESULTS
There was no significant correlation between olanzapine dose and prolactin level (Pearson product moment correlation coefficient = 0.09). No significant differences were found between mean prolactin values in each dose group.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no significant elevation of prolactin with higher doses of olanzapine. Thus, preliminary evidence suggests that using higher doses of olanzapine is generally safe with regard to prolactin levels.
Karagianis
James L
JL
Memorial University of Newfoundland, 119 Springdale Street, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5B7. jamiek@roadrunner.nf.net
Baksh
Anton
A
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012016:Reference Values; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010890:Pirenzepine; D011388:Prolactin; D000077152:Olanzapine