What does it do?

Pergolide is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and sometimes other conditions.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung, liver, kidney, stomach or high blood pressure problems, migraines, diabetes, a mental health problem, had a stroke, or ever had a seizure.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take pergolide as directed with a glass of water. Swallow the tablets whole.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with pergolide including:

• some antihistamines (may be in anti-allergy, anti-nausea and cough/cold medicines)
• anti-nausea medicines (e.g. prochlorperazine, hyoscine (e.g. Scopoderm TTS®), meclozine (e.g. Sea-legs®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. kava) or recreational drugs (e.g. "P").

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Seizures, dizziness, fainting, headache Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing	Tell your doctor immediately
Drowsiness, trouble sleeping Changes in vision, changes in smell Confusion, hallucinations, mood changes Strange or uncontrolled movements Cold hands and feet, swollen feet or legs	Tell your doctor
Constipation, nausea, loss of appetite Dry mouth, changes in taste, nasal stuffiness Muscle pain or cramps, tiredness or weakness More interest in sex	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Pergolide can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• Limit alcohol intake. You may have increased alcohol-related side effects while taking pergolide (e.g. dizziness or stomach upset).
• Do not stop taking pergolide without talking to your doctor first.