Guide To Treating Pituitary Tumors

Dopamine Agonists

Pituitary tumors can adversely affect the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is one of the most complex neurotransmitters in the brain. It is responsible for many different functions. Changes in dopamine levels can alter your memory, mood, behavior, and physical movements. Dopamine agonists can imitate dopamine and replace what is lost when a patient's levels are low. Older versions of this medication tend to have cardiovascular side effects. However, the more recent ones have fewer of these side effects. They can also target more specific dopamine receptors.

It is important to follow the exact dosage instructions for any dopamine agonists. They can sometimes cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including organ failure and problems with pain. Patients must also avoid driving until they are aware of how the medication affects them. This type of medication can cause sleepiness and dizziness. If the dose is too high, patients may experience serious mental health problems and compulsive behavior as well.

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Somatostatin Analogs

Pituitary tumors can sometimes cause the body to make too many hormones rather than too few. Some pituitary tumors can trigger a set of symptoms referred to as carcinoid syndrome. Somatostatin analogs are sometimes used to treat this syndrome. The bowel, pancreas, stomach, and hypothalamus naturally make somatostatin. It can stop or slow the body's production of insulin and some gut hormones. This substance is also necessary to empty the bowel and stomach.

Somatostatin analogs are artificial versions of this substance. When patients take them, they help slow the body's production of serotonin and growth hormone. This controls diarrhea, skin flushing, and other carcinoid syndrome symptoms. In addition, it can sometimes help shrink the original tumor. Somatostatin analogs are usually administered as an injection, with one injection occurring every four weeks. A nurse usually administers the injection, though some doctors may show patients how to administer their own.

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