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Side Effects of Dostinex

Dostinex (cabergoline) is a prescription medication used to treat conditions that occur when the body produces too much of the hormone prolactin. In some cases, the body produces excess prolactin because of a tumor or tumors on the pituitary gland. But the cause of excess prolactin production is sometimes unknown. Dostinex can also be used to stop the body's production of breast milk, except in cases immediately after childbirth. Other uses include treating patients with Parkinson's disease and women who need to have their hormone levels adjusted due to ovarian diseases. Dostinex is typically taken orally twice weekly. In many cases, your doctor will alter the dosage levels every four weeks based on the results of tests determining how much prolactin your body is producing.

  1. Mild Side Effects

    • Some people taking Dostinex report experiencing side effects including constipation, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, weakness and tiredness. If these side effects remain mild, they are not cause for concern, but patients should inform their doctor if they become bothersome.

    Serious Side Effects

    • In rare cases, taking Dostinex may result in serious side effects that could indicate a potential complication requiring medical treatment. Stop taking the medication and notify your doctor immediately if you experience behavior changes, including aggression and increased sexual urges; depression; confusion; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; fainting; visual disturbances; chest pain; shortness of breath; sudden and unexplained weight gain; a cough; swelling of the hands or feet; or an irregular heartbeat.

    Allergic Reactions

    • In rare cases people may have a severe allergic reaction to Dostinex. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include shortness of breath; wheezing; swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or face; hives; severe itching; or tightness in the chest. An allergic reaction should be considered a medical emergency because you could go into shock and lose consciousness. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

    Warnings

    • Dostinex is not safe for people with high blood pressure not controlled by medication or treatment; heart valve problems; a history of scarring disorders, especially of the lungs, heart and abdomen; or liver problems. Also, people who have previously had an allergic reaction to medications classified as ergot derivatives should not take Dostinex because another serious reaction could occur.

    Drug Interactions

    • Dostinex is known to interact with other drugs, possibly causing harmful reactions or increasing the chances of experiencing bothersome side effects. When taken with macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin, Dostinex users are more likely to experience the drug's side effects. Also, Dostinex is known to be less effective when patients are also taking metoclopramide, butyrophenones, phenothiazines or thioxanthenes.

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