𝐃𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⁣

In Australia, dopamine antagonists are antipsychotic or antiemetics (sometimes they’re both).⁣ ⁣

Look at the adverse effects for these dopamine antagonists, do you see how they list hyperprolactinaemia (high levels of prolactin in the blood)?⁣ ⁣
Now, remember, whether a medicine is giving a desired effect, or an adverse effect, is RELATIVE to the patient and their condition(s).⁣
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We see this in the dopamine antagonists domperidone and metoclopramide. They use this mechanism of increasing prolactin to give the desired effect of lactation stimulation for breastfeeding women.⁣
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Now let us look at dopamine agonists (most of them treat Parkinson’s disease). You’ll see in their adverse effects or breastfeeding section it says to avoid in breastfeeding as it may inhibit lactation (it does this by suppressing prolactin – the opposite of what dopamine antagonist do).⁣ ⁣

Yet once again we have medicines that utilise an adverse effect to create a desired effect. Carbergoline and bromocriptine are two dopamine agonists that a treat hyperprolactinaemia (including prolactinomas) and prevention of the onset of lactation in the puerperium for clearly defined medical reasons.⁣
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TLDR: Dopamine antagonist = lactation stimulation. Dopamine agonist = lactation inhibition. Whether these are adverse or desired effect depends on the patient. ⁣
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