Hello,

It certainly appears that opioids can induce hyperprolactinemia. This is suggested to occur, in part, due to dopamine receptor blocking (Tolis et al., 1978). Additionally, the use of opioids (especially in patients taking opioids equianalgesic to 100+mg of morphine) is very strongly related to an endocrinopathic state in which hypogonadism is a primary symptom (Brennan, 2013). Aside from the specific mechanisms, other research has found opiates/opioids to be associated with hyperprolactinemia (Lo Dico et al., 1983; Merdin et al., 2016; Torre & Falorni, 2007).

Although this is a brief reply, I hope the articles I have attached will give you a better glimpse into what you are looking for.

On an anecdotal level, a good friend of mine was previously using substantial doses of oxycodone (between 200-500mg per day). At this dose he was experiencing severe hypogonadism (which will occur with hyperprolactinemia) and also experienced all of the accompanying symptoms: fatigue, low testosterone, irritability, etc.

I don't know, I feel like my response is lackluster... however, I hope it helps.

Sincerely,

Logan Netzer

References:

Brennan MJ. The effect of opioid therapy on endocrine function. The American Journal of Medicine. 2013;126:S12-S18.

Lo Dico G, Riggio V, Cossu A, Buscarinu G, Delitala G, Stoppelli I. Role of opiate in the physiological control of prolactin in man. Acta Eur Fertil. 1983;14(6):409-14.

Merdin A, Merdin FA, Gunduz S, Bozcuk H, Coskun HS. Opioid endocrinopathy: A clinical problem in patients with cancer pain. Exp Ther Med. 2016;11(5):1819-22. FREE ON PUB MED

Tolis G, Dent R, Guyda H. Opiates, prolactin, and the dopamine receptor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1978;47(1):200-3.

Torre DL, Falorni A. Pharmacological causes of hyperprolactinemia. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2007;3(5):929-51. (THIS IS FREE)

Thank you very much