Cabergoline prevents weight gain in patients evaluated for hyperprolactinaemia

Introduction: Food reward stimuli elevate dopamine levels in brain reward circuits. Decreased dopaminergic signalling may be involved in pathophysiological processes leading to obesity and D2 receptor antagonists (antipsychotics) are associated with a higher risk of obesity. One study has demonstrated an association between the use of a dopamine D2 agonist (bromocriptine) and weight-loss in patients with prolactinoma. We have investigated the effect of cabergoline on body weight in a population presenting with hyperprolactinaemia. Methods: One hundred medical records were studied. All patients had been evaluated for prolactin excess with a cannulated prolactin study. Macroprolactinaemia was excluded in all samples. Patients with panhypopitutiarism or previously treated with another dopamine agonist were excluded. Data was also unavailable in 3 patients, leaving 89 patients. Weight and cabergoline dose was recorded at each visit. Results: (mean±S.E.M.). At Visit 1, prolactin was 1614.4±447.8 mU/l in cabergoline group (CG) and 534.1±75.8 mU/l in controls (P