PERGOLIDE MESYLATE - ADVERSE EVENTS OCCURRING IN THE TREATMENT OF COCAINE DEPENDENCE

In this preliminary report from a placebo-controlled, double-blind, do se-response study on the use of pergolide mesylate for cocaine depende nce in outpatients, 8 out of 235 subjects noted adverse events requiri ng breaking of the blind. Events occurred at or within 7 days of recei ving the first dose of medication and included side effects (four card iovascular, one psychiatric); drug-drug interactions (one); and clinic al exclusions (two pregnancies). Two anecdotes of illicit abuse are re ported. Although efficacy is unestablished, pergolide appears to be sa fe in the early treatment of cocaine dependence except where there are relative contraindications.