Tag: Galactorrhea

The FDA drug label for sertraline explicitly lists hyperprolactinemia as an adverse effect, confirming that the question, "**Can sertraline cause high prolactin levels?**", is a valid and important patient concern. While not universally experienced, this hormonal imbalance is a documented side effect of many selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including sertraline.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, or abnormally high prolactin levels, is the most common cause of consistently elevated prolactin levels. The unexpected milk production, or galactorrhea, is a potential side effect of certain medications that interfere with the body's hormonal regulation.

Studies confirm that paliperidone, like other antipsychotic agents, can cause a significant elevation in serum prolactin levels, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia, which directly addresses the question, **Does paliperidone cause lactation?**. Elevated prolactin can lead to unexpected milk production (galactorrhea) and other hormonal side effects in both male and female patients.

According to studies, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia is the most common cause of consistently high prolactin levels outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding. This condition explains **what medication can cause lactation when not pregnant**, as certain drugs interfere with dopamine to trigger a milky nipple discharge known as galactorrhea.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, pharmacologic agents are a common cause of galactorrhea, or inappropriate lactation. This unusual side effect can be distressing and is often the result of medication-induced hormonal changes. It is vital to understand **what drugs cause lactation** to better identify and manage this condition.

Galactorrhea, or milky nipple discharge unrelated to breastfeeding or pregnancy, is experienced by an estimated 20 to 25 percent of women at some point in their lives and can also affect men. While treatment depends on the underlying cause, understanding what is the best medicine for galactorrhea requires a closer look at key pharmacological interventions and lifestyle adjustments.

While psychotropic medications are a common cause of medication-induced galactorrhea, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline are rarely implicated [1.2.3, 1.6.5]. The question remains for many patients and clinicians: **can sertraline cause galactorrhea**, and what does the evidence show?