8 Cabergoline Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Cabergoline (formerly available as Dostinex) is an older prescription medication that treats many conditions, such as high prolactin levels, Parkinson’s disease, and certain brain tumors. It works in your body by acting similarly to dopamine, a chemical in your brain that is responsible for movement, motivation, and pleasure. It also stops your brain from making excessive amounts of prolactin.

Cabergoline lasts for a relatively long time in your body, so you’ll typically only take it 2 times per week. Your neurologist or endocrinologist will usually start you with a low cabergoline dose and may gradually increase it over time until it’s effective for your condition. 

However, a dose that is too high may cause some bothersome side effects. Cabergoline side effects can be managed in many ways, including dose reductions under the supervision of your neurologist. You can also take some proactive measures on your own to reduce your risk of side effects. 

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Cabergoline side effects at a glance

Cabergoline is associated with some common side effects, including: 

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Headache

• Stomach pain

• Dizziness

• Weakness or tiredness

• Sleepiness

Less common, but potentially serious, cabergoline side effects may include: 

• Heart valve problems

• Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring)

• Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)

• Hallucinations

Here, we’ll discuss eight notable cabergoline side effects you may experience and some tips for managing them.

1. Nausea

Nausea is the most common cabergoline side effect. Thankfully, most people taking cabergoline don’t actually experience it. But it’s typically manageable and temporary when it does happen.

You’re most likely to feel nauseated when you first start cabergoline and shortly after you increase your dose. You can try taking cabergoline with food or at bedtime to help reduce nausea. Avoiding foods that irritate your stomach and cause you to feel overstuffed can also help.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Hyperprolactinemia: Learn about the top medications you can take for high prolactin levels — cabergoline included.

• A proper dose: Here’s our guide to different cabergoline dosages that may be appropriate for you to take.

• Antiemetics to consider: Cabergoline may make you feel nauseated. Discover the treatment options that may be right for resolving your nausea.

Talk to your prescriber if you’re still feeling nauseated after trying to manage it on your own. They might want to lower your cabergoline dose to make it more tolerable. They can also offer other nausea management tips, if needed.

2. Constipation

Cabergoline can also cause other digestive system-related side effects, such as constipation. There is some good news, though. Fewer people experience constipation compared with nausea.

The best way to manage constipation is to take preventive measures to reduce your risk of becoming constipated in the first place. Do your best to eat fiber-rich foods, drink enough water to stay adequately hydrated, and stay active.

You can also reach out to your pharmacist for laxative recommendations when measures like these aren't enough. They can suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can treat constipation, such as docusate (Colace). A prescription laxative, such as Linzess (linaclotide), may be a better option in the case of ongoing constipation.

3. Headache

Cabergoline is sometimes linked to headaches. But preventive measures may help you stay ahead of them. This includes simple-but-effective tips such as meditation, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep every night.

If headaches are becoming an active issue for you, speak with your pharmacist. They may recommend an OTC headache medication that’s safe for you to take, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Your prescriber can offer further advice if headaches persist.

4. Dizziness or vertigo

Dizziness has many possible causes, including medication. So while you may experience temporary dizziness while taking cabergoline, it’s not common overall. 

While you’re waiting for cabergoline-related dizziness to subside, try to address other potential causes of dizziness. Thirst and hunger are two possibilities. Have a snack and drink some fluids as an initial measure. Also consider avoiding alcohol for the time being, as it can trigger or worsen dizziness. 

Make sure to listen to your body if you’re feeling really dizzy — sit or lie down to reduce your risk of falling down and accidental injury. You can also contact your prescriber to see if a dose reduction may be necessary.

5. Weakness or fatigue

Weakness and fatigue have been reported with cabergoline in some cases. 

You can take a few steps to fight back against slumping energy from cabergoline. Consider developing a regular sleeping schedule and prioritizing an energy-focused diet to ensure you stay recharged and ready to go. Exercising regularly also helps to maintain steady energy levels, even if it’s hard to work up the motivation to do so. 

If you’re still feeling exhausted, talk to your care team. They can make other adjustments as needed. You should also feel empowered to allow yourself to take naps or breaks when needed.

6. Impulse control

Impulse-control issues are associated with several medications that affect dopamine, including cabergoline. This is related to how dopamine can naturally reinforce certain behaviors. Impulse-control issues may include engaging in risky sexual behaviors, eating large quantities of food, and/or a desire to gamble. 

It may be surprisingly hard to notice these symptoms on your own, though. It’s important to communicate the potential for this side effect to a caregiver or loved one. They can help you keep an eye out for any uncharacteristic actions, decisions, or changes in behavior.

7. Low blood pressure

It’s easy to think that low blood pressure is desirable given that high blood pressure is such a widespread health problem. However, blood pressure that’s too low can also be concerning. This is sometimes an issue with cabergoline prescriptions.

Low blood pressure is particularly troublesome when you're changing positions. You may experience it when going from a lying, sitting, or squatting position to standing. This is called orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension in medical terms. It increases the risk of accidental falls.

Thankfully, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of low blood pressure and potentially falling down. For example, if you’re getting up from your bed, dangle your legs on the edge of your bed for a few seconds before standing up. Don’t just hop out without any pause. Also try to avoid or minimize alcohol use, when possible. It can also contribute to low blood pressure.

If you’re experiencing frequent spells of low blood pressure, make sure to tell your care team. Depending on the situation, they may redirect you to the ER.

8. Heart valve problems

Taking high doses of cabergoline may rarely cause issues with your heart valves. Heart valves are responsible for keeping blood pumping through your heart. 

To minimize this risk, your prescriber may send you to a cardiology team to verify you don’t have heart valve disease before you start cabergoline. Your cardiology team may also want to see you every 6 to 12 months to ensure you don’t develop any heart problems down the line while taking cabergoline. 

If you do have a heart valve condition, you likely won’t receive a prescription for cabergoline.

Does cabergoline cause weight gain?

Some medications are known to cause weight gain, such as the antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron). However, cabergoline is unlikely to cause weight gain. In fact, high prolactin levels cause weight gain. And those taking cabergoline to reduce prolactin levels may experience weight loss. Typically, few people taking cabergoline gain weight.

Still, if avoiding weight gain is one of your health goals, it’s important to maintain a nutritious diet and exercise regularly while you’re taking cabergoline. Do your best to get at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of physical activity each week. There isn’t one best diet that works for everyone, but some changes may help put you on a path to better health. This can include adding a variety of fruits and vegetables to your diet, avoiding processed foods, and consuming plenty of protein.

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Written by:

Mandeep Sohal, PharmD

Mandeep Sohal, PharmD, has more than 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is licensed in California. In his career, he’s had experience with specialty pharmacy, community pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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