Possible serious consequences and treatment of cabergoline overdose

Cabergoline (Cabergoline) is a dopamine receptor agonist mainly used to treat prolactinemia and related pituitary tumors. Although it is generally well tolerated, overdose may pose serious risks. Overdose can lead to overstimulation of the dopamine system, which can lead to acute symptoms such as a significant drop in blood pressure, syncope, dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort, and may even cause arrhythmia or abnormal heart valve function. The risk is particularly pronounced for the elderly or those with cardiovascular disease.

Overdose of cabergoline may also cause abnormal psychiatric and neurological reactions. Patients may experience symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, or drowsiness. Some patients may even develop impulse control disorders, such as abnormal gambling or increased sexual urges. This is related to the extensive effects of drugs on central dopamine receptors, so the emergence of psychiatric symptoms requires great attention.

The key to managing overdose is to discontinue the drug immediately and initiate symptomatic treatment. Patients with mild to moderate overdose can usually relieve their symptoms with intravenous fluids, monitoring blood pressure and heart rate, and giving anti-nausea medications if necessary. For patients with severe cardiovascular or psychiatric symptoms, they need to be monitored in the hospital, electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitored, drug intervention or supportive treatment is used if necessary, and the need for psychological intervention is also assessed.

Clinically, preventing overdose is equally important. Patients should strictly follow the dosage prescribed by their doctor and avoid increasing the dosage or frequently adjusting the dosage on their own. At each follow-up visit, the doctor will adjust the dose based on blood prolactin levels and clinical symptoms, and evaluate possible side effects. Through standardized medication use, close monitoring and timely treatment of adverse reactions, most patients can use cabergoline safely while avoiding serious health risks caused by overdose.

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