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Side Effects of Pergolide

Pergolide, frequently sold under the brand name Permax, is a drug that has been removed from the American Market since 2007. It is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Use of pergolide may cause a number of mild to severe side effects.

  1. Identification

    • Pergolide is a prescription drug classified as a dopamine agonist. Drugs.com reports that it works by "stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain." By doing so, pergolide treats stiffness and the poor muscle control that is associated with Parkinson's disease. Pergolide is typically used in conjunction with other drugs. Pergolide was taken off the U.S. market March 29, 2007, due to the potential for heart valve damage.

    Common Side Effects

    • Users of pergolide may experience the following common side effects: dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, anxiety, mild stomach pain, nausea, upset stomach, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation and runny nose. If any of the preceding side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Drugs.com reports that the use of pergolide can cause a number of serious side effects, including swelling of the leg or foot, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness, severe drowsiness and dizziness, fainting, confusion, hallucination and chest pain. Severe allergic reaction recognized by swelling of the face or throat may also occur. Pergolide was taken off the U.S. market because of the potential for the severe side effect of heart valve damage.

    Proper Use

    • Pergolide may be taken with or without food, but should be taken with a full glass (8 oz.) of water. Follow your prescription exactly to avoid the potential for overdose or increased side effects. Most patients use pergolide once daily with a dose up to 0.1 milligrams. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

    Warning

    • Never take a double dose of pergolide to compensate for a missed or skipped dose. Be sure to notice how pergolide affects you before attempting to drive or operate heavy machinery. Avoid alcohol as the consumption can increase the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness. Drugs.com reports that the sudden discontinuation of the product may lead a potentially deadly condition known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

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