Cabergoline: Uses, Side Effects, and What You Need to Know

When your body makes too much cabergoline, a synthetic dopamine agonist used to lower prolactin and improve movement in Parkinson’s. Also known as Dostinex, it’s one of the most prescribed drugs for unexplained milk production, infertility, and certain movement disorders. Unlike older treatments that just blocked prolactin, cabergoline works by mimicking dopamine — the brain’s natural signal to shut down prolactin production. This makes it more targeted, longer-lasting, and often easier to tolerate.

It’s not just for women with unwanted breast milk. Men with high prolactin can experience low libido, erectile issues, or even enlarged breasts — and cabergoline helps reverse those too. For people with Parkinson’s, it helps smooth out stiff movements and tremors by boosting dopamine activity in the brain. What makes it stand out? It lasts longer than most dopamine drugs. You might take it just twice a week instead of daily. That’s a big deal if you’re juggling pills, work, or side effects like nausea or dizziness.

But it’s not harmless. Some people get lightheaded when standing up, especially at first. Others report fatigue, headaches, or digestive upset. Rarely, it can affect heart valves — especially at high doses over many years. That’s why doctors check your heart with an echo before and sometimes during long-term use. If you’re on blood pressure meds, talk to your doctor — cabergoline can lower blood pressure further. And if you’re pregnant or planning to be, don’t stop it without medical advice. Sometimes, it’s the best way to get pregnant when prolactin is the problem.

You’ll find posts here that dig into real-world use: how it interacts with other drugs, why some people feel better on it while others can’t tolerate it, and what alternatives exist if it doesn’t work. You’ll also see how it compares to bromocriptine — the older drug it mostly replaced — and what the latest research says about long-term safety. Whether you’re taking it for high prolactin, Parkinson’s, or something else, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff. No marketing. No hype. Just what you need to know to use it safely and effectively.

How to Safely Combine Cabergoline with Other Medications
Marian Andrecki 13

How to Safely Combine Cabergoline with Other Medications

Learn how to safely combine cabergoline with other medications to avoid dangerous interactions. Key risks include low blood pressure, serotonin syndrome, and heart valve issues. Know what to avoid and what’s safe.

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