Cabergoline and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2019

For Hyperprolactinemia "- Male - Diagnosed with macro prolactinoma - initial levels 315,000, which was extremely high, the tumor was pressing on my skull and optic nerves. - went on 1x2.5 mg once a week and gradually increased dosage to 2x5 mg twice a week - 8 months later, levels are down to 1,200. Side effects - first was mood swings, insomnia, extreme drowsiness. - after a month or so, I noticed I felt angry quite a bit and it has caused issues with friends and family. - after a few months, my testosterone levels increased and so did sexual urges and penis length. - after 6 months, I started getting anxiety attacks, which I haven’t had for over 10 years. So for me, the side effects are quite bad, but it’s working, so I will report back in a few months. It’s been very tough for me."

• lif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2018

For Hyperprolactinemia "I was on this for 3 months. I went off it because it made me feel like I had a low-level flu and was always tired. The withdrawal I had from being on this drug has been horrible! Panic attacks, mood swings, highs and lows, nausea, sleep disturbances. It's called dopamine antagonist withdrawal syndrome. I've read since people go back on it because of how bad the symptoms of withdrawal are, and how long it stays. I've been off it for 3 months now, and I am still having side effects from coming off of it. It lowered my prolactin levels into normal ranges within a month of being on it, and it's easy to use. I was on 0.5 mg once a week. I will not go back on this medication due to how it affected my mental health."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2011

For Hyperprolactinemia "It did alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of hyperprolactinemia; however, side effects were quite negative and possibly dangerous for me. I'm petite, and despite a very small dose taken bi-weekly, the side effects were strong. The morning after taking a dose, it was difficult to wake up, and I slept through alarms on many occasions. My blood pressure also dropped to very low levels, and I had to be cautious when standing up to avoid passing out. My prolactin levels are always elevated, but I only experience symptoms every 3 months for a week or 2 when I cycle to the off-week of my estrogen-replacement birth control pills. My doctor and I decided that the constant side effects were worse than the occasional, though uncomfortable, symptoms for me."

• Sco...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2018

For Hyperprolactinemia "Male 43-year-old. Been on cabergoline for 10 years. Diagnosed with prolactinoma on the pituitary. Lots of side effects that got progressively worse. Depression, anger, loss of motivation, dizziness, horrible insomnia, occasional intestinal distress."

• Anj...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 15, 2018

Cabergoline for Hyperprolactinemia "After getting nauseated and not being able to function well on the other two Dopa agonists I tried, no nausea and no noticeable dizziness on this. Immediately upon starting cabergoline, I slept like a baby. It was a very noticeable change. Then, after a few months, I became an insomniac. The other persistent things were that I developed a stuffy nose when my dose was due and for about a day after taking it (every four days). I was also more tired the day after I took it (always at night). A good side effect was being able to drink very little with full effect. My temper was better than it was prior. It may have boosted my libido slightly. Eventually, I got my dose down to about an eighth of a pill, then a couple of months ago, I lost my bottle. Withdrawal was sleeping incredibly poorly for about four to five nights. I’m not lactating, as I did every time when stopping it over the years, so maybe middle age is working for me. Cheaper in Canada, but recommend you get brand Dostinex only."

• HBK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2022

For Hyperprolactinemia "I was prescribed this (0.5 mg x 7 days) after a fertility treatment when my estradiol levels got really high. Caused terrible constipation, as if my entire gut motility had slowed down to a crawl, this despite taking senna/Miralax daily, eating high-fiber foods, lots of water, daily walks. Also felt intermittently lightheaded, slightly altered, and poor sleep."

• Jes...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 8, 2019

For Hyperprolactinemia "Diagnosed with a prolactinoma in '09 after noticing visual disturbances and lactation (wasn't pregnant). Tests and scans ran, and a tumor was discovered. Prolactin levels were higher than what's normal, and a specialist prescribed Cabergoline 1/2 a tablet twice a week. The only major side effect I've noticed is insomnia. I never get a restful night's worth of sleep. I have miscarried 4 different times anywhere from 3 to 6 months into the pregnancy within the past 10 years. I have been told mixed reasons on why this keeps happening and if it's related to the prolactinoma or not. I lost over 70 lbs with a newfound lifestyle of working out and eating nutritiously, along with Cabergoline. I wouldn't be surprised if the medicine helped, given I started losing weight within a month of not even trying. I stopped taking it for about 6 months at one point, and initial symptoms came back. I continue to take it with no noticeable mood swings or lethargy, even though I still suffer from insomnia."

• Cal...
• January 28, 2025

For Hyperprolactinemia "Found out after 2 years of being written off as perimenopause symptoms, I’ve got a prolactinoma. I knew as time went on it was more than peri, my fatigue was awful. I could barely stay awake at times, despite a very healthy lifestyle. The migraines got worse over the last 2 years, I never suffered from migraines or even light headaches before. Then came the milk-4 months of lactating! Anyhow, been on cabergoline, only 0.25 mg, 1 x per week for 2 weeks now. Within 2 days, no joke, my energy restored-well, actually like I’ve never had before, to be honest. Made me wonder if prolactin always ridden high, from the start to the end of my day. I’m working out in the morning and full of energy still through work shifts to the end of the day! 4 days in, no more milk (!), normal boobs without milk! Aww, the joy lol! And the migraines have nearly vanished, just had 2 light ones. Only downside I’ve noticed so far is my sleep. It’s like I’m barely needing it (but I know I do!!). I will watch out for that! I’m so happy!"