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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by iris2 on October 29, 2004, at 18:51:06
It is my understanding taht increased prolactin does cause weight gain. I saw an endocrinologist today who was indecisive about it. I have increased body fat since taking Amisulpride 50mg. Only in my stomach. Is this merely a coinsidence? I do not think so but I have an eating disorder and am very touchy about it. I went off the med for five days and started falling into a deep depression again. So now I am back on it.
Anyone know anything about this? Will taking bromocriptine with it which should decrease the increased prolactin help with the ever increasing weight?
For most this might seem kind of irrational but suffering from depression and bulimia for 30 years I tend to obsess about my weight.
Thanks,
irene
Posted by SLS on October 29, 2004, at 23:23:55
In reply to Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP, posted by iris2 on October 29, 2004, at 18:51:06
> It is my understanding that increased prolactin does cause weight gain.
Yes it does. I know one woman who gained weight primariliy in her tummy from taking Risperdal, an AP known to increase prolactin. Amisulpride will certainly do this, but I'm not sure at what dosages. Sulpiride, a related drug, is notorious for increasing prolactin.
> Will taking bromocriptine with it which should decrease the increased prolactin help with the ever increasing weight?
Bromocriptine will certainly reduce prolactin secretion, but it is no longer considered a first choice because of its side effects. I believe cabergoline (Dostinex) has supplanted bromocriptine for hyperprolactinemia.
Amantadine might be a better choice. Not only will it reduce prolactin, but it has the ability to reduce weight-gain due to AP induced changes in glucose / lipid dynamics. It has been used with success when used with Zyprexa.
One indicator of increased prolactin is a disturbance in the menstrual cycle.
Your focus on body weight is not silly. It is part of the package in your case.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by ravenstorm on October 29, 2004, at 23:48:40
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » iris2, posted by SLS on October 29, 2004, at 23:23:55
i've never heard of this before but I wonder if remeron also increases prolactin. It causes weight gain, mainly in the belly, and, for me at least, has ADDED 7 to 9 days to my menstrual cycle. I've gone from a 28-30day cycle to
35-37 days and the extra week is pure, crazed PMS anxiety horror show.
Posted by iris2 on October 30, 2004, at 10:48:32
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » iris2, posted by SLS on October 29, 2004, at 23:23:55
Scott,
Thank you so much. My family thinks Iam sort of nuts because the weight gain is not much yet. My periods did stop almost immediately. It was surprising to me that so much side effect would happen at such a low dose of 50mg. I realy apprecaite your help. The docter I went to was awful about it all.
irene
Posted by iris2 on October 30, 2004, at 11:00:31
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP, posted by ravenstorm on October 29, 2004, at 23:48:40
I am the one that posted the original question. I googled Remeron and prolactin increase for you. From what is can ascertain it does not increase prolactin but it definitely increases weight. Try to google it yourself perhaps you will get a better understanding of it. It was snot all stated so clear-cut but that is what I got out of it. It does not make sense to me that your periods changed which is why I am questioning if I did not read enough.
irene
Posted by iris2 on October 30, 2004, at 11:32:23
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » iris2, posted by SLS on October 29, 2004, at 23:23:55
Okay now I have to choose between Dostinex and Amantidine. I guess there are two things to try and figure out. Will taking these meds counteract what the Amisulpride is doing. I cannot remember about it being an antagonist or agonist at low doses. What is the Amantidine or Dostinex? Also at what dose for this particular need do you think is wise?
Hope this is not too much to ask.
Thanks,
irene
Posted by iris2 on November 1, 2004, at 8:48:01
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » SLS, posted by iris2 on October 30, 2004, at 11:32:23
Hi it's irene again.
I posted you about the Amantadine and Bromocriptine. I had it in my head that Mirapex might help with the prolactin because it is in the same chemical catagory as Dostinex. Now I read " In human volunteers a dose-dependent decrease in prolactin was observed." on the following site:http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/s/Sifroltab.htm
Perhaps I should just start taking the Mirapex which I had intended to do and see what happens before I try the Amantadine or Bromocriptine?
I am going to call my pdoc and ask him for the Rx today. I was planning on dong this anyway but if you think I should still take one or the other let me know? I will not stand getting any fatter:(:(:(
irene
Posted by SLS on November 1, 2004, at 10:26:05
In reply to SLS HELP one more question » iris2, posted by iris2 on November 1, 2004, at 8:48:01
Definitely do the Mirapex!
Good luck with it.
- Scott
Posted by iris2 on November 1, 2004, at 11:09:03
In reply to Re: SLS HELP one more question » iris2, posted by SLS on November 1, 2004, at 10:26:05
Called my pdoc about ten minutes ago and asked him to send the Rx for Mirapex so I guessed ( educated guess:)) right. Glad you agreed with my guess.
And REALLY THANK YOU. You are so kind and giving of your time. I hope things start to look up for you soon.
Are you thinking of trying any other new medications besides the Cymbalta?Have you tried all these like Mirapex and Amisupride and Provigil, tianeptine. etc.?
What was your diagnosis again?
irene
Posted by Clai on November 14, 2004, at 19:17:59
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » iris2, posted by SLS on October 29, 2004, at 23:23:55
Hi Iris2, last week I was diagnosed with a prolactinoma (prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor). My prolactin levels were elevated and I had ceased menstruating. My endocrinologist said that the increased prolactin level could also have contributed to my 30 pound weight gain over the last two years. In doing some internet research this evening, I ran across several articles suggesting the same. This article from the Department of Neurological Surgery at UCSF web site says that "High levels of prolactin can also result in weight gain and neuropsychological disturbances." Here is the link to the article: http://neurosurgery.medschool.ucsf.edu/patient_care/pituitary_info.html.
Good luck and let me know if you are interested in hearing back from me after I go through treatment to see if I lose any of the weight that I have gained.
Clai
Posted by iris2 on November 14, 2004, at 19:51:03
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » SLS, posted by Clai on November 14, 2004, at 19:17:59
Thanks,
Wht kind of treatment are you going to have? What exactly was determined to be the cause of your prolactinoma? I hope you are ok.
Wishing you the best,
irene
Posted by Clai on November 15, 2004, at 21:54:41
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » Clai, posted by iris2 on November 14, 2004, at 19:51:03
> Thanks,
>
> Wht kind of treatment are you going to have? What exactly was determined to be the cause of your prolactinoma? I hope you are ok.
>
> Wishing you the best,
>
>
> ireneMy doctor has prescribed Dostinex to reduce my prolactin levels. My understanding is that they do not know what causes these tumors to develop. Mine is benign (they usually are).
Thank you for your concern - I am fine and just really happy to finally know what caused my amenorrhea and (maybe) weight gain. This has been going on for 2 years and my PCP never checked my prolactin levels when I went originally to her. I ended up going to another doctor to have a second opinion and they sent me to an endocrinologist.
Clai
Posted by iris2 on November 15, 2004, at 23:01:14
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP » iris2, posted by Clai on November 15, 2004, at 21:54:41
I ahv heard of this medication for decreasing prolactin. This guy I inernet with does not think it is indicated fo rme. He says tha it would cancel out the effects of the anidpressant i am taking that is the cause of the increased prolactin. I am waiting for him to figur eout what would be better.
In the mean time bood luck,irene
Posted by upsndowns on November 16, 2004, at 16:54:50
In reply to Re: Prolactin levels increase cause weight gain? HELP, posted by ravenstorm on October 29, 2004, at 23:48:40
About the Remeron question....yes, it can cause elevated prolactin levels, happened to me.
This is the end of the thread.
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