I recently increased my Seroquel dose from 350 mg. to 450-500mg. (sometimes even a little extra). I noticed before the increase that my breasts seemed larger, but I thought maybe I was just imagining it. I have not gained weight anywhere else and all of my clothes still fit the same way as before. Nor am I eating anymore than I was previously (I'm probably eating a little less as, oddly, Seroquel suppresses my appetite). However, I am definitely sure that my breasts are larger-- I've gone from an A to almost a C! The other thing that I noticed is that when I had my period about 2 weeks ago (it came at the regular time), it was much lighter than usual. And before you jump to any conclusions: I AM DEFINITELY NOT PREGNANT. My fiance has a vasectomy, and the dr. checked after he got it to make sure there was no sperm. So basically, I'm pretty sure that the Seroquel is causing elevated prolactin levels as antipsychotics can cause this.

I called my friend who is a nurse this morning and asked her what she thought. She said it definitely could be that. She told me that regardless of my fiance's vasectomy, the dr. would make me take a pregnancy test. So, I went to the pharmacy and got one so that when I call he will not be able to tell me that I might be pregnant. Of course, I am definitely not pregnant. I also asked the pharmacy if I am, indeed, suffering from hyperprolactinemia, if the results of the test would be affected. Pharmacist said, no. Anyhow, I took the test and I am definitely not pregnant.

I am freaking out about this whole thing and am going to call my psychiatrist as soon as he gets in. I just wanted to know if anyone else has had medication-induced elevated prolactin levels? Also, what were their symptoms and what did their doctor do about it?

I am worried that I will have to stop taking Seroquel. I can't imagine what will happen as I have been having major problems as of late and I have to go to the psychiatrist every week or two because I am really unstable right now. I was hallucinating when I started Lamictal and that was on the 350mg. of Seroquel-- I can't imagine what's going to happen if I'm not taking any. My mind keeps screaming "F%%%!" as I keep having med problems. I might as well just stop taking all of them as they're not helping and nothing in my life is improving.

The hyperprolactinemia is usually a problem with risperdal and invega. Usually I believe it requires either reducing the dose, changing the medication or stopping medication.

Netsavy is correct about this. Seroquel and many similar drugs within the same class can upset the normal balance of the endocrine system and result in:
1. galactorrhea (symptoms: swelling breasts/ milk discharge in the absence of pregnancy)
2. amenorrhea (decreased or absent menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age)
3. gynecomastia (breast growth in men).

All of these side effects can be understood in terms of Seroquel's mechanism of action; it works by antogonizing (blocking) dopamine.

Normally, neurons in the hypothalamus release dopamine, which acts on the pituitary gland by preventing prolactin release. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates breast tissue to produce milk in pregnant women. Removing the inhibitor (dopamine in this case) mimics what happens in pregnancy. Even though you may not be pregnant, the increased prolactin is stimulating breast growth and milk production because your pituitary gland is being made to physiologically "think" that you are pregnant.

If these side effects are unacceptable to you, talk to your doctor about lowering your dose of Seroquel or changing medications. Please note, I'm not a doctor but am fascinated by the science behind medicine.