Pergolide is a medication that belongs to the drug category of ergot alkaloids, according to the Mayo Clinic. It was once used to treat Parkinson's disease (brain disease characterized by cognitive inabilities and shuffling gait) and restless leg syndrome. As of March 2007, pergolide was withdrawn from the market due to an increased incidence of valve abnormalities in the heart. If you were taking pergolide, it is important to understand its side effects.
Serious Side Effects
Pergolide can lead to serious side effects such as closing of your throat, trouble breathing and swelling of the face and lips, according to Drugs.com. These are common signs of an allergic reaction to pergolide. Dizziness, arrythmias (abnormal heartbeats) and hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't present) are also serious side effects of pergolide.
Common Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, common side effects of pergolide include anxiety, bloody urine, confusion and uncontrolled movements. Constipation, heartburn, muscle pain, runny nose and weakness are other common side effects.
Rare Side Effects
Rare side effects of pergolide include severe chest pain, high fever, hypertension (high blood pressure), increased sweating and urinary incontinence. Users may also experience pale skin, fatigue, stomach pain and chills.
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