What is a common side effect associated with dopamine agonist therapy?

Dopamine agonists are medications commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. One significant side effect associated with dopamine agonist therapy is the potential for psychotic symptoms.

This occurs because dopamine plays a crucial role in regulating mood, behavior, and cognition, and an increase in dopamine activity can lead to symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions in susceptible individuals. This risk is particularly relevant in older patients or those with a history of psychiatric disorders.

The other side effects listed, such as weight gain, visual disturbances, and sleep disturbances, can also occur with various medications and conditions, but they are not as specifically associated with dopamine agonists as psychotic symptoms are. Therefore, psychotic symptoms represent a distinctive concern that healthcare providers need to monitor when treating patients on dopamine agonist therapy.