ABSTRACT
Pergolide pharmacotherapy commonly has been associated with confusion, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dyskinesia, dyspepsia, hallucinations, hypotension, insomnia, nausea, runny nose, and somnolence. Concurrent pergolide and antipsychotic pharmacotherapy may result in the decreased therapeutic efficacy of both drugs. Avoid prescribing pergolide pharmacotherapy to women who are breast-feeding. If pergolide pharmacotherapy is required, breast-feeding probably should be discontinued. The optimal dosage of pergolide is generally achieved by means of a gradual increase in dosage and slow titration over approximately two weeks. Pergolide is a dopamine agonist, whereas antipsychotics are generally dopamine antagonists. The abrupt discontinuation of pergolide pharmacotherapy has been associated with confusion and hallucinations that may persist for several days. Signs and symptoms of pergolide overdosage include agitation, hallucinations, hypotension, nausea, and vomiting. Pergolide overdosage requires emergency symptomatic medical support of body systems with attention to increasing pergolide elimination. Antipsychotic pharmacotherapy may be indicated for the symptomatic management of associated CNS stimulation.
