DRUGS CAN CAUSE MALE BREAST GROWTH

Question: Please tell me about drug-induced gynecomastia (breast
enlargement in men). Taking Haldol has caused weight gain and given me
breasts that now resemble those of the opposite sex.

My doctor says that if I lose weight through diet and exercise, this
abnormality will disappear. I have been dieting for two years with no
change in the size of my chest. Will dieting ever help, or do I need
cosmetic surgery? This abnormality has caused me shame and depression, and
made others question my sexual orientation.

Answer: A surprising number of drugs can cause male breast enlargement.
Haldol and other psychotherapeutic agents are well-known for this side
effect. Other drugs that may trigger this response include Aldactone,
estrogen, Lanoxin, marijuana, Nizoral, Tagamet theophylline, and
cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor.

Although this reaction may go away once the medicine is discontinued, no
one should ever stop a prescription drug without medical supervision. Your
doctor might be willing to prescribe an alternative to Haldol that is less
likely to cause gynecomastia. If the problem does not disappear, cosmetic
surgery such as liposuction could be considered.