Pramipexol

Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist belonging to the same class of drugs as Cabergoline. Dopamine agonists function directly on dopamine receptors and imitate the endogenous neurotransmitter. Basically, Pramipexole is used for the treatment of the early stage of Parkinson’s Disease, along with the Restless Legs Syndrome (RDS). The drug has also shown promising signs in the treatment of bipolar depression, although it has never officially held this label. Recently, Pramipexole has been used for headaches and to help get rid of the problems related to sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, this medication is extremely beneficial for bodybuilders, whether natural or enhanced.

Pramipexole has effects on prolactin, anxiety and growth hormone. Particular, its effects on the dopamine are vital for the bodybuilders. Dopamine governs the physiological and emotional responses, and the movement. If you want to become a successful bodybuilder, you must have a good mood and motor control. Dopamine enhances the level of the growth hormone, which is why it has become an important aspect of bodybuilding.

Pramipexole Functions on the Receptor

Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that directly correlates with the prolactin hormone. As dopamine levels in the body go up, prolactin levels go down. It does this by having a direct effect on the dopamine D3 receptor. Although it also acts on the D2 receptor its affinity for the D3 receptor is seven times greater than any existing dopamine agonist.

Therefore if dosed correctly it could have a pronounced effect on sexual function, lowering prolactin, increasing GH , improving mood, motor functions etc.

The effect of Pramipexole on the D3 receptor has a strong impact on the neurological system, which is why it’s used to treat Parkinson’s disease and in some cases Alzheimer’s disease. Through acting on the D3 receptor, Pramipexole also affects a man’s sexual interest and activity. Prolactin is in part directly responsible for a man’s refractory period, which refers to the time it takes to recover from sexual activity so that performance can occur again. By lowering prolactin through an increase in dopamine, Pramipexole can directly reduce the refractory period resulting in the ability to perform sexually more frequently.

It's strong effects on dopaminergic transmission will also increase sexual pleasure and performance. It is a sexual stimulant in many ways. In addition a very interesting side effect noted when using very high doses is it's possible effects on peoples range of sexual behavior. Munhoz RP et al. (2009) highlighted hypersexuality and paraphilias are complications not uncommonly found in patients with PD under dopaminergic treatment.

One 67 year old man who historically was a very shy and conservative person, started to present increased frequency of sexual intercourse with his wife, during which he began speaking obscenities with an extreme preference for anal intercourse, preferences never requested before. After pramipexole was withdrawn, complete remission was observed with return to his usual sexual behaviour.

Several recent reports have linked the use of dopamine agonists (DAs) to a variety of compulsive behaviors in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). These inappropriate behaviors may include pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, and hypersexuality. These compulsive behaviors are the result of the elevated dopamine levels.

Endocrine functions post-treatment blood concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone (GH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Pramipexole (Pram) Amisulpride (Ami) or Com (combination of pramipexole and amisulpride).

Schilling JC et al. (1992) has demonstrated similar results when testing its effects and tolerability on prolactin, human growth hormone, thyrotropin, cortisol, and corticotropin levels in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 12 healthy volunteers. Single oral doses of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg pramipexole and placebo were studied over a period of 24 hours. Pramipexole decreased serum prolactin levels in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximum effect after 2 to 4 hours. Serum levels of human growth hormone were dose-dependently increased; however, this effect was only significant 2 hours after drug administration. Furthermore, a slight increase in serum cortisol levels and a slight decrease in serum thyrotropin levels was observed.

Pramipexole raises GH, because it is a strong somatostatin inhibitor, stacking it with GH or secretagogues like GHRH or GHRP will increase the total GH in your body. Some peptides can also raise prolactin, by adding even a small dose of pramipexole this increase can be neutralized.

How Pramipexole Can Help Bodybuilders?

Of all the anti-prolactin drugs out in the market, Pramipexole is widely regarded as the best. It has the least side effects and it has the best effects in bodybuilding. When it comes to dosage, Pramipexole requires a daily dosing, due to it having a short half-life. This is also important to maintain the concentrations of the drug into the bloodstream. This medication is not metabolized by oxidative pathways. It does not lead to the formation of cytotoxic free radicals that can be linked with the metabolism of the dopamine.

Furthermore, according to studies, Pramipexole does not contain the risk to influence valvular heart disease or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Cardiac and non-cardiac fibrotic reactions caused by ergot-and non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists.

Anderson et al 2009: “There is growing evidence that the ergot-derived dopamine agonists cabergoline and pergolide can cause fibrotic cardiac valvulopathy. For ergot-derived dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline, pergolide), the RORs of all reactions under study were increased, whereas no such increases were observed for non-ergot-derived drugs (apomorphine, pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine).”

One of the best benefits of Pramipexole when it comes to bodybuilding is its ability to optimize the levels of the growth hormone, and it is substantial. According to clinical studies, Pramipexole is shown to increase the levels of the growth hormone in a dose-dependent manner. Plus, the benefits of this medication greatly overshadow its side effects.

Effects of Pramipexole

The positive effects of Pramipexole medically revolve primarily on relieving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improving the mood of the patient. However, the drug is also used by some performance enhancing athletes, primarily to combat a specific kind of gynecomastia and improve sexual function that is sometimes diminished through the use of specific anabolic steroids.

When prolactin levels increase significantly, along with elevated levels of estrogen, this can induce gynecomastia (male breast enlargement). Even if estrogen is controlled, in “Gyno” sensitive men heavily elevated levels of prolactin can still induce gynecomastia. The elevated levels of prolactin due to steroid use are most commonly associated with the Nandrolone (Deca Durabolin) and Trenbolone hormones. Not all men will have an issue with increases in prolactin due to the use of these steroids; it is somewhat dose dependent and highly dependent on genetic predispositions. However, if control is needed Pramipexole is a suitable option for control.

The elevated levels of prolactin can also negatively affect a man’s sexual performance, most commonly his ability to obtain or maintain an erection. Nandrolone is the most well-known steroid for causing this issue and the hormone responsible for the old phrase “Deca Dick.” For those that suffer from this issue they will often forgo Nandrolone due to the potential erection issues, which is understandable. However, in many cases, a low dose of Pramipexole can offset any such issue. In fact, with the right combination of steroidal hormones along with Pramipexole, peak sexual performance that cannot be found without such a mix is often reached.

Anxiety and its related effects can have a debilitating impact on its sufferers. Many compounds bodybuilders take can act as a catalyst for anxiety. I know many bodybuilders who suffer from mild to crippling anxiety when using the likes of trenbolone or boldenone. I feel pramipexole's effects on dopamine can have a substantial positive effect on general anxiety. Dopamine can induce fascinating, complex human behavioral states, including disinhibition, euphoria, whereas dopamine deficiency can cause anxiety or sadness.

Side Effects of Pramipexole

There are several possible side effects of Pramipexole, perhaps more so than most dopamine agonist. The side effects of Pramipexole are largely genetic dependent and while they do not negatively affect most users in a significant way they can be quite bothersome for some. The possible side effects of Pramipexole include: Nausea (most common side effect), vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, edema (primarily in the legs, ankles and/or feet), insomnia Dizziness (fainting is possible although not common).

The most common cause of the above negative effects is too much of the medication. Pramipexole is a very powerful drug and it’s very easy to suffer from side effects when too much is taken. Dosing of this dopamine agonist should always be kept to the minimum needed.

Pramipexole Administration

Pramipexole is found in tablet form and is taken orally. The drug’s half-life is approximately 8-12 hours in duration. It is most commonly found in 0.125mg, 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 0.75mg, 1mg and 1.5mg strengths. For the treatment of Parkinson’s you will find dosing is somewhat heavy compared to other issues of treatment. Doses for Parkinson’s treatment normally start low in order to allow the body to accustom starting at 0.125mg 2-3 times per day and increases gradually over several weeks reaching anywhere from 0.75-1.5mg 2-3 times per day depending on need. For those looking for prolactin control in order to combat gynecomastia or improve sexual function due to steroid use, such individuals will use far less of the drug. Many people report severe sickness when using pramipexole. It is a very strong drug and should be treated with care. Most people start far too high in dose and as a result discontinue usage. I recommend anyone wanting to try it to start at 0.05mg for a few days and move up to 0.1mg when ready. I don't feel anyone needs more than 0.2-0.3mg per day. If used correctly it can be a fantastic compliment to any peptide cycle. Moreover it can also be utilized to great effect when certain aas are being used.

Timing

If you read the discussion-boards you mostly get decent advise on how to use and dose drugs. In this case timing seems to be crucial, some posts:

“Just don't take too much. Very easy to get nauseous and throw up 20 mins after taking it. Also don't take it during day time, you will get very tired.”

“.5 daily for problems... .25 daily for preventative measures.. only side I ever got was I was ridiculously lethargic and tired if I dosed it in the AM... started dosing it one hour before bed.. and I was getting the best sleep of my life and waking up feeling healed and refreshed.. I dosed .5 daily”

“I used prami at around .25mg ed to combat prolactin from tren and am able to enjoy the vitality it provides as well.”

“Hello, I am going to start dose pramipexole pre bed. To lower my prolactin and have better mood and sex. I read that 2 hours after dose of pramipexole, it increase your GH level.”

“When I used pramipexole it definitely increased my sex drive. Also, it made me feel like garbage.”

Schilling et al 1992: “The effects and tolerability of pramipexole, on prolactin, human growth hormone, thyrotropin, cortisol, and corticotropin levels were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 12 healthy volunteers. Single oral doses of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg pramipexole and placebo were studied over a period of 24 hours. Pramipexole decreased serum prolactin levels in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximum effect after 2 to 4 hours. Serum levels of human growth hormone were dose-dependently increased; however, this effect was only significant 2 hours after drug administration. The compound was well tolerated.”

 User reports from the forums

“Pramipexole from online resource did not nearly compare to what I was prescribed from the pharmacy... A total night and day difference.... I wish I knew about this drug six years ago it totally gave back my sex life. “

“So went into my general care physician, and told him that I was feeling depressed. I told him I had been reading up on pramipexole. He prescribed it and I am titrating up on dose.” “AAS had given me serious gynecomastia and libido issues. Now after prescribed 100% remission of these side effects... I have been on three weeks.”

“Do you get tired from dosing pramipexole in the morning and afternoon? I just started it a week ago. They say .5mg releases 4ius of HGH. My sleep has been shit on it, but I feel so much happier and more social. It got rid of the depression I was going through. My sex drive is way up! Orgasms are extremely powerful!!! Only negative is I toss and turn all night.”

“What if you only use it at night? The half life of pramipexole is 8-12 hours. Do you feel a dependence will occur if you run it once a day while on high doses of deca, npp, tren, trestolone acetate? I'm new to prami. My sleep is horrible but I'm a lot happier all day.”

“Was reading other's experiences and they report basically better libido, better pumps, some fat loss/weight loss despite eating more, better mood.”

“Although... there is a timing issue as it can make u nauseous, tired, etc... so before bed is a must and ramping up doses.”

“People were also reporting similar to GH side effects, tingling, numbness wrists, etc... i got those too but eventually goes away.”

“Most of the sides disappear after a while. So anyways thought this was interesting.”