Bromocriptine: What It Is, How to Use It, and What to Watch For

Bromocriptine is a dopamine‑activating medication that doctors prescribe for a handful of specific problems. Most people see it for high prolactin levels, Parkinson’s disease, or acromegaly. It works by mimicking dopamine, which helps lower the hormone prolactin and improves certain brain signals.

Typical Dosing and How to Take It

Unlike some drugs, bromocriptine dosing isn’t based on body weight. For hyperprolactinemia, doctors usually start with a low dose—often 1.25 mg once or twice a day—to keep side effects down. They then increase the dose gradually, sometimes up to 10 mg daily, until prolactin levels are in the normal range.

If you’re using it for Parkinson’s disease, the starting dose might be 2.5 mg three times a day, with slow uptitration based on symptom control and tolerance. Take each dose with food to reduce stomach upset, and try to keep the timing consistent each day.

Common Side Effects You Might Feel

The most frequent complaints are nausea, vomiting, and light‑headedness, especially when you first start or when the dose is raised. Headache, fatigue, and dry mouth also pop up for many users. Most of these settle after a week or two, but if they persist or get severe, let your doctor know.

Rarely, bromocriptine can cause low blood pressure, fainting, or hallucinations. If you notice sudden dizziness, a racing heart, or confusing thoughts, seek medical advice right away. Wearing a medical alert bracelet can help in an emergency.

Because bromocriptine lowers prolactin, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should discuss alternatives with their doctor. The medication can affect milk production, so breastfeeding moms usually stop it.

Important Drug Interactions

Several medicines can change how bromocriptine works. Antidepressants that affect serotonin (like SSRIs) may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome—a serious condition with rapid heart rate, high fever, and muscle rigidity. Antihypertensives (blood‑pressure drugs) can cause an extra drop in blood pressure when taken together.

Stimulants, certain antipsychotics, and some antibiotics (like macrolides) might also interfere. Always give your pharmacist a full list of what you’re taking, including over‑the‑counter supplements.

If you’re on insulin or oral diabetes drugs, bromocriptine can sometimes improve blood‑sugar control, which might mean you need a dose adjustment. Your doctor will likely check your glucose levels more often when you start the medication.

Safety Tips and Monitoring

Before you begin, tell your doctor about any heart problems, liver disease, or psychiatric history. Blood tests for prolactin, liver enzymes, and kidney function are common checkpoints during treatment.

Keep a simple log of any side effects, when they happen, and how severe they feel. This helps your physician decide whether the dose needs tweaking.

Never stop bromocriptine abruptly, especially if you’ve been on it for a while. Cutting it off fast can cause a sudden rise in prolactin or worsen Parkinson’s symptoms. If you need to quit, your doctor will guide you through a slow taper.

In short, bromocriptine can be a lifesaver for the right conditions, but it requires careful dosing, awareness of side effects, and close communication with your healthcare team. Follow the prescribing instructions, report any unusual symptoms, and you’ll maximize the benefits while keeping risks low.