Domperidone Withdrawal in Breastfeeding Women

"Studies have shown the efficacy and safety of the off-label use of domperidone as a galactogogue, but there is currently a lack of information regarding 1) the withdrawal symptoms associated with an abrupt discontinuation of long-term domperidone and 2) an optimal tapering regimen to minimize these withdrawal symptoms. Our case report demonstrates insomnia, anxiety and tachycardia as examples of potential withdrawal symptoms. "

Case report: domperidone use as a galactagogue resulting in withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation

"We present a case of domperidone withdrawal in a woman using the medication as a galactagogue. Our primary goal is to increase the literature available to providers who work with women who are breastfeeding. We evaluated a woman presenting to our reproductive psychiatry clinic for consultation regarding anxiety and agitation in the context of domperidone discontinuation. We evaluated the available literature regarding domperidone as a galactagogue, as well as the literature regarding adverse effects. The patient presented with withdrawal symptoms after gradual taper and discontinuation of domperidone. After restarting the medication, her symptoms resolved."

Transient psychosis in women on clomiphene, bromocriptine, domperidone and related endocrine drugs
Conclusion: In susceptible women, psychotic symptoms can result from treatments that reduce estrogen levels, such as leuprolide acetate or clomiphene, or treatments that increase dopamine levels (bromocriptine). Psychosis can also be caused indirectly when estrogen treatment is discontinued or dopamine antagonism (e.g. domperidone) withdrawn. Estrogen-reducing and dopamine-increasing treatments used in gynecology need to be carefully monitored.

Domperidone Withdrawal in a Nursing Female with Pre-existing Psychiatric Illness: Case Report

"Background: In this report, we describe a case of domperidone withdrawal in a woman with a history of major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), who experienced a recurrence of these disorders after stopping domperidone.

Case Presentation: The symptoms improved after the restarting of domperidone and disappeared gradually as the drug was tapered and discontinued. Clinicians should consider domperidone withdrawal a differential diagnosis in women with a history of depression or anxiety who present with an acute onset of these symptoms following the abrupt discontinuation of domperidone."

Yes, breast is best, but taper domperidone when stopping

"The time course, the psychotic symptoms, and the basic pharmacology all indicate that the patient developed 'dopamine supersensitivity psychosis'(5) after stopping the long-term use of the domperidone antipsychotic.

Psychosis, insomnia, intense anxiety, and tachycardia caused by the sudden withdrawal of domperidone are not unusual.(6) Breastfeeding websites reveal disturbing stories of women who became extremely anxious, depressed, and psychotic upon sudden withdrawal of domperidone."

Domperidone withdrawal: Insomnia, anxiety and tachycardia: case report

"A 37-year-old woman developed insomnia, anxiety and tachycardia after withdrawal of domperidone."

Domperidone as an unintended antipsychotic

"It seems plausible that domperidone could produce the same adverse effects as intended antipsychotics, which have many side effects and poorly understood withdrawal effects.^"