The impact of hyperprolactinaemia on sexual function in patients with psychosis.

Sexual dysfunction is a common but significantly underestimated side effect of antipsychotic medication. It is frequently related to the hyperprolactinaemia that can be induced by dopamine-blocking properties of these agents, but may also be related to the anti-serotonergic properties or anticholinergic and antiadrenergic properties of antipsychotics. Knowledge of the receptor pharmacology of an individual antipsychotic will help to determine whether it is more or less likely to cause sexual side effects.