Partial regimen replacement with aripiprazole reduces serum prolactin in patients with a long history of schizophrenia: A case series

•Aripiprazole (ARP) was incorporated into schizophrenia treatment regimens.•ARP decreased serum prolactin in chronic antipsychotic users.•ARP-contain regimens improved patient symptoms and minimized side effects.

AimAripiprazole (ARP) is a popular antipsychotic drug that has demonstrated ameliorative effects on hyperprolactinemia. However, no study to date has studied the utility of ARP in patients with a long history of schizophrenia and antipsychotic treatment. We therefore examined the effect of partial antipsychotic regimen replacement with ARP on hyperprolactinemia induced by chronic antipsychotic use in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsSixteen patients with a schizophrenia diagnosis (F2) based on the International Classification of Diseases (version 10) were recruited. At months 0, 1, 3, and 6 of the study, serum prolactin, body weight, and blood glucose were measured, and QOL and psychotic symptoms were assessed using Global Assessment of Functioning scores and Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I) scores.ResultsNine patients with an average age of 46.7 ± 9.6 years and mean disease duration of 15.9 ± 10.4 years were included in the final analysis. Serum prolactin levels significantly decreased and GAF and CGI-I scores improved significantly over the 6-month period after partial replacement with ARP. Additionally, no changes were observed in body weight or blood glucose over the 6-month period.ConclusionPartial antipsychotic regimen replacement with ARP improves hyperprolactinemia, and may improve the QOL of patients with a long history of schizophrenia.Clinical trial registration numberJapan Medical Association, Center for clinical trials D: JMA-IIA00245.