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

When you hear Cabergoline, a long-acting dopamine agonist used to control prolactin and treat movement disorders. Also known as Dostinex, it's one of the most prescribed drugs for high prolactin levels and Parkinson’s symptoms. Unlike short-acting drugs, Cabergoline stays active in your body for days, which means fewer pills and more stable results. It’s not a cure, but it’s a tool that helps your brain manage signals it’s struggling to send properly.

High prolactin — often called hyperprolactinemia, a condition where the body makes too much of the milk-producing hormone — can cause irregular periods, low libido, breast milk in people who aren’t nursing, and even infertility. Cabergoline steps in by tricking dopamine receptors into thinking there’s enough dopamine already, which tells the pituitary gland to slow down prolactin production. It’s not just for women, either. Men with high prolactin get the same benefits: better energy, improved sex drive, and fewer headaches from pituitary tumors.

It’s also used in Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that affects movement due to low dopamine in the brain. While it doesn’t replace levodopa, it helps smooth out the ups and downs of medication cycles. Some people take it alone in early stages; others use it alongside other drugs to reduce the total daily dose and lower side effects like nausea or involuntary movements.

Side effects are common at first — dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and low blood pressure — but most people adjust within a week or two. Taking it with food helps. A small number report heart valve issues or impulse control problems like gambling or overeating, which is why doctors monitor you closely. It’s not for everyone, especially if you have heart valve disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

What you won’t find in every guide is how Cabergoline interacts with other drugs. If you’re on antidepressants, antipsychotics, or blood pressure meds, your dose may need adjusting. And yes, it’s sometimes used off-label for restless legs or even to help with certain types of depression — though that’s still being studied.

Below, you’ll find real-world comparisons and practical advice from people who’ve used Cabergoline — whether they’re managing a pituitary tumor, dealing with infertility, or trying to control Parkinson’s symptoms. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you should ask your doctor before starting.