Behavioral and hormonal effects of low-dose pergolide in children and adolescents with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome

Abstract Objective To assess the acute and subacute (≥4 weeks) toxicity of low-dose pergolide in children and adolescents with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome. Background Pergolide is a mixed dopamine-receptor agonist. At low doses, it may suppress tics in children with Tourette's syndrome. Potential adverse behavioral and hormonal effects of low-dose pergolide in children have not previously been reported. Methods Children with Tourette's syndrome were studied after administration of pergolide for 1 day and for ≥4 weeks. Repeated measurements of serum prolactin and growth hormone levels were performed. Repeated psychologic assessments were performed using the Visual Analogue Mood Scale subscales for happy, drowsy, energized, and tense. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analyses. Results Low-dose pergolide significantly suppressed serum prolactin levels, acutely and chronically. No changes in growth hormone or mood subscales were demonstrated. Conclusions Low-dose pergolide in children with Tourette's syndrome suppresses prolactin but not growth hormone. Its use may not produce the mood-related adverse effects commonly associated with neuroleptic drugs.