If you deal with an excessive level of prolactin (i.e., the hormone responsible for helping women produce milk for their babies), then your doctor may prescribe cabergoline to you. This medication helps reduce the amount of prolactin found in the bloodstream.

Cabergoline affects hormone production, so stick to the exact instructions that both your doctor and the prescription label provide. Otherwise, you may end up with overdose symptoms, such as hallucinating, fainting, and dealing with a stuffed nose.

Typically, cabergoline is not taken daily, so only do so if you’ve been directed to by your doctor.

As you take cabergoline, your doctor should examine your blood regularly to measure your prolactin levels. And this testing may continue several months after you’ve stopped taking cabergoline.

While you’re still on the medication, please be aware that your inhibitions towards certain aspects in life may be lowered drastically. You might find that you have increased urges for sex, gambling, and other activities.

If you feel that any such urges have taken place while you’ve been on cabergoline, let your doctor know right away.

Cabergoline’s most common side effects include difficulties with bowel movements, dizziness, excess gas, a full feeling, headaches, and loss of strength.

More seriously are any of the following side effects: feeling short of breath, chest discomfort, feeling week, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, feeling faint, lower back pain, less than normal urination, and swollen ankles/feet. If you have any or all of these symptoms, stop taking cabergoline immediately and call your doctor.