Risperidone induced Amenorrhea; A case report

Abstract

Background: Menstrual abnormalities associated with Risperidone is more prevalent nowadays. But they are often underestimated. This reproductive side effects contributes to the majority of medication non adherences among the treatment population.

Case presentation: A 38 year old  female patient with known psychiatric history was presented to the hospital with complaints of  auditory hallucinations and delusion of persecution along with over talkativeness ,irritability, decreased need for sleep ,hyperactivity. She was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and was prescribed with oral  Risperidone 1 mg once daily  along with other drugs. She showed considerable improvements and was discharged after the therapy .After two months she was admitted again with the complaints of sleep disturbances , staring looks, mutism and  was managed with oral Risperidone 3 mg once daily . After continuing the medications for a period of three months, she reported with not having periods (amenorrhea) .Her prolactin levels were checked and was found that she was experiencing with hyperprolactinemia possibly due to continuous administration of Risperidone. Risperidone got discontinued and replaced with oral olanzapine 10 mg once daily. Amenorrhea was resolved and the patient was stable on discharge.

Conclusions: This case highlights the consequence of hyperprolactinemia induced by the Risperidone and also the importance of evaluating the prolactin levels while taking this medication. Even though it is very difficult to figure out these consequences in a population undergoing psychiatric therapy, managing these abnormalities may increase the medication adherence in patients.