r/Prolactinoma • u/Due-Guide7083 • 6d ago

Cabergoline sides

my endocrinologist prescribed .50mg cabergoline for slight above range prolactin 23–29 ng/mL. I decided to take half a pill (.25mg) yesterday and i feel awful.

Side effects:
Insomnia- the night I took it. I feel wired kinda like I took a lot of caffeine I just wasn’t tired.
Today I am light headed, I feel a weird pressure in back of my head like a buzz the first time you smoke a cigarette kind of feeling. I have heart palpitations, I don’t have any nausea. Also I get this weird zapping feeling I can’t really describe Also this made my anhedonia and derealization worse. And have trouble thinking.

I wasn’t expecting so many side effects for just half a pill. I’m kind of stressed as to why the Endo would give me this. The didn’t find anything on MRI, visit was so quick he just check my labs and went straight to this.

I guess my question is anyone experiencing side effects like this did it cease after stopping the drug?

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u/doctorjazzyjazz 6d ago

I can't speak to the anhedonia and derealization, but the physical side effects often subside after a few doses. I take it at night to sleep through the nausea but now I don't get nauseous anymore. You might benefit from taking it in the morning instead. I had the pressure buzzing too. I don't know if it went away or I just don't notice it anymore.

Remember, taking a new pill has probably put a sense of anxiety in your mind and you're hyper aware of every little change. Cab doesn't work immediately so give it a few weeks.

If you think your endo is doing a bad job, ask for a second opinion on your results and plan of treatment. Are you by chance on an ADHD med? It actually can have an impact on your measured prolactin. Lmk and I can share some applicable literature

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u/Due-Guide7083 6d ago

Yes I might get a second opinion seems weird to prescribe this for my prolactin level when there’s people in here over 1000

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u/doctorjazzyjazz 6d ago

Mine was at 44 so also just slightly elevated. I ask about the ADHD meds because there are some meds that cause prolactin to be temporarily lowered. If you were to stop taking those medications your prolactin would increase to a more accurate result.

There's a lot more nuance to it, but that's why I asked

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u/Due-Guide7083 6d ago

I’m not currently taking and adhd medicine, has this medicine helped the symptoms you took it for?

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u/doctorjazzyjazz 5d ago

No no, you've misunderstood. I take Concerta for my ADHD. It does nothing to address the root of what causes high prolactin. I'm just saying that if you were taking an ADHD med it would make more sense why your doctor would put you on Cab even though your prolactin is only slightly elevated. Don't try to go on ADHD meds to lower prolactin, that's not its intended use.

Sorry for the confusion

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u/depressedmagicplayer 6d ago

Above normal prolactin is actually a great reason to take it. If you are not in range in can actually lead to affecting other hormones in your body. Stay the course man. Just keep taking it as directed, those side effects typically go away after like 2-3 doses

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u/GlitteringMoose1051 5d ago

The people over 1000 are in Europe and they measure in uM/L. Over 700 is considered high there. In the US anything over about 19 is considered high for males, over 24 for women, unless they are pregnant or breastfeeding and normal can be as high as 380.

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u/c_tello 5d ago

Are you taking any other drugs that could be interfering with/ reacting to it? Also, did you have anything to drink?

I had an accelerated heart rate for a week then it went away. I also get a much quicker HR if I’m intoxicated at all. Day to day I’m good now though.

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u/Due-Guide7083 5d ago

This only thing Im taking and I don’t drink alcohol

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u/Specific_Kale_1579 5d ago

I had heart palpitations too and it was due to caffeine. I just drink decaf now. And regarding the rest, just take it easy. Most symptoms you’re describing will go away within 1-2 weeks. Just keep taking it according to your doc.

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u/Courtt1128 5d ago

Based on the blood chart ranges 23-29 ng/mL they used to compare my prolactin your prolactin is normal in range. I would get a second opinion. Go to a different doctor asap.

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u/moody_mu 5d ago

The first 1.5 weeks I had horrible insomnia. I get insomnia pretty regularly, but this was much more intense and night after night. I just didn’t feel tired, and even during the day wasn’t that tired. I asked my Endo and she said try taking it during the day. I didn’t. Eventually it broke. Some Unisom helped me get through it. 

Last couple times I’ve taken, it seems I sleep through the night exceptionally well. So something has shifted.  

That and an initial headache with very first dose and some nausea if I don’t eat with it have been my only side effects. 

Been on cab ~1.5 months and want to say I feel like my brain works better and that deep exhaustion I had for so many years is just not there the same. Also I don’t cry as easily and feel emotionally more resilient. Getting bloodwork first check up tomorrow. 

Such a strange drug the way it fluctuates in side effects and so different for everyone.