Treating prolactinomas with dopamine agonists: always worth the gamble?
Dopamine agonists are the treatment of choice for all patients with prolactinomas. They are generally safe, effective, and well-tolerated. However, a link between their use and the development of impulse control disorders has been well recognized in the field of neurology for some time, and evidence for a similar effect in endocrine patients is emerging. This has mainly been revealed through clinical case reports, plus a small number of comparative studies of varying robustness. We review the current available literature and discuss the implications for clinical practice, in particular emphasizing the need for clinicians to be alert to these uncommon but serious adverse effects.
Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Sean
S
Noronha
Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. vickystokes22@hotmail.com.
Victoria
V
Stokes
Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Niki
N
Karavitaki
Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Ashley
A
Grossman
D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018491:Dopamine Agonists
Bromocriptine; Cabergoline; Gambling; Hypersexuality; Impulse control