Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, refers to a disease in which the body is exposed to high levels of cortisol, a hormone made in the adrenal glands. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include fatigue, weight gain, acne, depression and menstrual irregularities. People with Cushing's syndrome may also experience a decreased libido, headache, bone loss and facial flushing.
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole, commonly sold as Nizoral, is an antifungal antibiotic that specifically works to control cortisol production. This drug also treats infections of the throat, esophagus, mouth, bladder, skin and lungs.
Drugs.com indicates that ketoconazole's less concerning side effects include dizziness, breast swelling, itching, vomiting and nausea. In some instances, ketoconazole causes a headache and a skin rash. Talk to a physician when ketoconazole's less serious side effects last for over five days.
Ketoconazole's serious side effects include dizziness, fainting, weakness and numbness or tingling. In some instances, ketoconazole leads to yellowing of the skin or eyes and easy bleeding or bruising. Phone a doctor immediately if ketoconazole leads to this.
This drug may interact with such medications as loratidine, cyclosporine, clopidogrel, cancer medication and phenytoin. Ketoconazole is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
Mitotane
Mitotane, commonly sold as Lysodren, is also used to curb cortisol production. Mitotane is actually a cancer medication that also stops the growth of cancer cells, according to Drugs.com.
Mitotane's less concerning side effects include poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and dizziness. In some instances, mitotane can also lead to drowsiness, fatigue and a spinning sensation. Notify a physician when mitotane's less serious effects last for more than one week.
Mitotane's serious side effects include blood in the urine, unexpected weight loss, fast or pounding heartbeats, sweating and cold or clammy skin. In some instances, mitotane also leads to uncontrollable shaking, blurry vision, double vision and pain with urination. Notify a doctor if any of mitotane's serious effects develop.
A change in mitotane's dose may be necessary when suffering from liver disease, surgery, trauma or a recent infection. Mitotane is a tablet taken daily or as a doctor prescribes.
Metyrapone
Metyrapone, commonly sold as Metopirone, curbs cortisol production. The drug's common side effects include nausea, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dizziness and headache, according to the Mayo Clinic. Phone a physician when metyrapone's less serious side effects develop.
Metyrapone's serious but rare side effects include abnormal bleeding or bruising, weight gain, weakness, fatigue and swelling of the feet or lower legs. In some cases, this medication causes vomiting, a poor appetite, increased sweating and stomach pain. Notify a physician immediately if this drug leads to any of these effects.
Do not take metyrapone while driving or operating heavy machinery because it can lead to extreme drowsiness. Metyrapone is a tablet taken daily.
