Effect of risperidone on prolactinoma growth in a psychotic woman

Objective: The case of a psychotic woman is described in which risperidone use was found to correspond with an increase in the size of a prolactinoma and prevented the return of serum prolactin level to baseline. Methods: Although the patient had been treated with a high dose of bromocriptine, her prolactin level remained elevated, causing persistent galactorrhea. The patient later was treated with olanzapine and carbamazepine successfully. Results: This case report highlights the role of risperidone on prolactin and discusses alternative methods of treating psychosis when the etiology is unclear, especially in younger patients. Conclusions: The authors recommend that additional studies regarding the relationship between the growth of prolactinoma and atypical antipsychotics would be worthwhile.