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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michelle40 on December 29, 2008, at 1:36:23
Hello!
I am a "newbie" to the boards :)I have a question regarding Prozac and prolactin levels. I have been on SSRI's for 11 years now. I started on paxil ( which was a nightmare LOL!), switched to Zoloft(for approx 7 years) and finally on Prozac ( for approx 3 yrs)
I have always had a lactating issue with these meds but about 2 years ago I was prescribed Strattera along with Prozac. I began to have missed periods, insomnia hot flashes and increased PMS. With my doctor's advice, I tapered off of Strattera. Soon after stopping Strattera, my hot flashes increased, I had heart palpitations and aggression issues. These symptoms became so intolerable, I had to wean off of 20 mg of my Prozac as well. Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to describe my issues in detail to see if anyone else has had any kind of experience with theses symptoms possibly being related to elevated prolactin levels from taking Prozac. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Michelle
Posted by SLS on December 29, 2008, at 2:42:25
In reply to Does Prozac increase prolactin levels?, posted by Michelle40 on December 29, 2008, at 1:36:23
So, then, you are aware that Prozac (fluoxetine) can indeed produce hyperprolactinemia? I read that 4.5% of men and 22.2% of women are affected this way.
- Scott
Posted by Michelle40 on December 29, 2008, at 2:55:08
In reply to Re: Does Prozac increase prolactin levels?, posted by SLS on December 29, 2008, at 2:42:25
> So, then, you are aware that Prozac (fluoxetine) can indeed produce hyperprolactinemia? I read that 4.5% of men and 22.2% of women are affected this way.
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott!
Thanks for the reply :)
I did read that and I am hoping that hasn't happened.. If so, I wonder if it is life threatening? My Mom died from cancer when she was 50 so I am a bit worried :(
Posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2008, at 12:08:02
In reply to Re: Does Prozac increase prolactin levels?, posted by Michelle40 on December 29, 2008, at 2:55:08
What does it mean as isn't the pituitary gland responsible for prolactin? Phillipa
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on March 28, 2009, at 8:30:24
In reply to Re: Does Prozac increase prolactin levels?, posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2008, at 12:08:02
Higher serotonin levels increase prolactin and decrease testosterone and lower metabolism. High dopamine levels on the other and lower prolactin and increase testosterone and metabolism. Which is the reason why SSRIs are also linked to low free testosterone, and possibly also thyroid function.
Posted by sowhysosad on April 9, 2009, at 18:36:47
In reply to Does Prozac increase prolactin levels?, posted by Michelle40 on December 29, 2008, at 1:36:23
> Soon after stopping Strattera, my hot flashes increased, I had heart palpitations and aggression issues. These symptoms became so intolerable, I had to wean off of 20 mg of my Prozac as well.
I had pretty bad heart palpitations after chronic use of 20mg fluoxetine too. My GP was utterly clueless, but I deduced it may have been due to CYP450 enzyme inhibition (CYP2D6) affecting my ability to metabolise caffeine or antihistamines.
Does anyone else know whether heightened prolactin levels could cause cardiac arrhythmias?
This is the end of the thread.
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