Psychotic reactions during treatment of pituitary tumours with dopamine agonists

Of 600 patients treated with the dopamine agonist drugs bromocriptine and lisuride for functioning pituitary tumours, eight developed drug related psychoses. Symptoms included auditory hallucinations, delusional ideas, and appreciable changes in mood. These reactions occurred with lower doses of the drugs than previously reported and remitted when treatment was stopped. The possibility of psychiatric side effects with dopamine agonist treatment should be recognised in view of the strain that may be placed on patients and their families.