J Korean Soc Biol Psychiatry.  2003 Nov;10(2):141-146.

The Resolution of Amenorrhea in Female Patients Taking Risperidone

• Lee BH
• Kim YK
• Han CS
• Ko YH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To find out the optimal assessment that can relieve amenorrhea associated with risperidone.
METHODS
Sixteen female outpatients who have taken risperidone for more than 3 months reported voluntarily amenorrhea during Nov 2001 to May 2002. Since the reports of the amenorrhea, the resolution of amenorrhea has been prospectively followed during the next six months. The dosage of risperidone was reduced or discontinued in nine of sixteen patients, while risperidone was switched to olanzapine or quetiapine in other 7 patients according to the clinician's decision.
RESULTS
Fourteen of 16 patients showed higher levels of prolactin than normal level. Five patients of the risperidone-reduction group recovered from the amenorrhea while all subjects of the drug-switch group recovered. The resolved patients of the former group recovered from amenorrhea in the dosage below 3mg per day of risperidone. Two patients of the risperidone-reduction group were dropped out during the reduction.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that risperidone-induced amenorrhea may be alleviated by reducing dosage to less 3mg per day(including discontinuation) or by switching to other antipsychotic drugs. Whether we would choose which method depends on patient's clinical status, diagnosis, and dose of medication and so on.

MeSH Terms

Amenorrhea*
Antipsychotic Agents
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Diagnosis
Female
Female*
Humans
Outpatients
Prolactin
Prospective Studies
Quetiapine Fumarate
Risperidone*
Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic Agents
Prolactin
Risperidone