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Cabergoline is a prescription medication doctors use mainly to lower high prolactin levels. High prolactin can cause missed periods, low sex drive, unwanted milk production, and fertility problems. If your blood tests show high prolactin or you have a prolactin-secreting tumor (prolactinoma), your doctor may suggest cabergoline.
Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist. That means it acts like dopamine in the brain and tells the pituitary gland to stop making so much prolactin. Most people see prolactin fall within weeks and symptoms improve over a few months. Doctors also use cabergoline sometimes to shrink small prolactinomas so surgery can be avoided.
It’s prescribed in low doses for pituitary problems. Higher doses are used in other conditions, but higher and long-term use carries extra risks. Always follow your prescriber’s plan rather than changing dose on your own.
Typical starting doses are small—often one or two times a week. Your doctor will tell you exactly when and how much to take. Common practice is to check blood prolactin about 4–6 weeks after starting or changing dose and then periodically after that. If you’re a woman planning pregnancy, your doctor will discuss stopping the drug once pregnancy is confirmed in many cases.
Before and during treatment you may need a baseline heart exam if doses are high or treatment is long-term. That’s because cabergoline has been linked to heart valve issues at higher doses used for Parkinson’s disease. For most people treated for prolactinoma at standard doses, the risk is much lower, but doctors still weigh benefits and risks.
Take the pill with food or as your doctor advises to reduce nausea. Stand up slowly if you feel dizzy—orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) can happen. Avoid driving if you feel sleepy or dizzy until you know how the drug affects you.
Common side effects are nausea, headache, dizziness, tiredness, and constipation. Less common but serious issues include mood changes, hallucinations, and signs of heart problems (shortness of breath, swelling, chest pain). Report worrying symptoms to your doctor right away.
Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, especially blood pressure drugs, other dopamine drugs, and herbal supplements. Also mention heart issues, psychiatric history, and pregnancy or breastfeeding plans.
Buying cabergoline: always use a licensed pharmacy and a valid prescription. Avoid unverified online sellers. If cost is a worry, ask your clinician about generic options or patient assistance programs.
If you need a quick checklist to bring to your appointment: list of symptoms, current meds, prior heart or psychiatric diagnoses, and any pregnancy plans. That helps your doctor choose the safest, most effective plan for you.
Cabergoline is making waves in veterinary clinics, especially for its key role in breeding and hormone management. This article digs into how vets use cabergoline for dogs and other animals, the science behind it, and why it’s sometimes picked over other drugs. You’ll learn about its main uses, possible side effects, and tips to keep animals safe. Whether you’re a breeder, pet owner, or just curious, this guide unpacks real-world advice and the latest facts. No confusing jargon, just clear practical info.
