Cabgolin: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives You Should Know

When your body makes too much prolactin, it can cause problems like irregular periods, low sex drive, or even breast milk when you’re not pregnant. Cabgolin, a brand name for the drug cabergoline, is a dopamine agonist that tells your brain to reduce prolactin production. Also known as cabergoline, it’s one of the most common treatments for conditions like hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland that overproduces prolactin. Unlike older drugs that needed multiple daily doses, Cabgolin works long-lasting—often just twice a week.

Cabgolin doesn’t just lower prolactin. It helps shrink prolactinomas, which can relieve headaches and vision problems caused by the tumor pressing on nerves. It’s also used off-label for restless legs syndrome and sometimes Parkinson’s, because it boosts dopamine—the same brain chemical that’s low in those conditions. But it’s not the only option. Bromocriptine, an older dopamine agonist, works similarly but often causes more nausea and dizziness. Quinagolide, another dopamine agonist, is used in some countries when patients can’t tolerate cabergoline. Each has trade-offs in side effects, cost, and how often you need to take it.

What you won’t find in most doctor’s brochures is how real people manage the side effects—like dizziness after the first dose, or feeling unusually tired. Some people need to start with a tiny amount and slowly build up. Others find their prolactin levels drop fast but still need to keep taking it for years to prevent the tumor from coming back. And while Cabgolin is generally safe, it’s not for everyone—especially if you have heart valve issues or uncontrolled high blood pressure. The posts below show how people compare Cabgolin with other treatments, track their symptoms, and adjust their routines to live well while managing hormonal imbalances. You’ll see real experiences, not just textbook facts.