Pergolide mesylate. Adverse events occurring in the treatment of cocaine dependence

In this preliminary report from a placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-response study on the use of pergolide mesylate for cocaine dependence in outpatients 8 out of 235 subjects noted adverse events requiring breaking of the blind. Events occurred at or within 7 days of receiving the first dose of medication and included side effects (four cardiovascular, one psychiatric); drug-drug interactions (one): and clinical exclusions (two pregnancies). Two anecdotes of illicit abuse are reported. Although efficacy is unestablished, pergolide appears to be safe in the early treatment of cocaine dependence except where there are relative contraindications.