Bromocriptine: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your body makes too much bromocriptine, a synthetic dopamine receptor agonist that mimics the action of dopamine in the brain. Also known as Parlodel, it helps reset hormone levels that get out of balance—like prolactin, which can cause infertility, milk production when you're not nursing, or missed periods. This isn’t a painkiller or an antibiotic. It’s a targeted drug that talks directly to your brain’s dopamine receptors to fix what’s going wrong behind the scenes.

It’s most commonly used for hyperprolactinemia, a condition where the pituitary gland makes too much prolactin, which can lead to irregular periods, low sex drive, or even breast milk in people who aren’t pregnant. It’s also prescribed for Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that affects movement, because dopamine levels drop in the brain over time. Bromocriptine steps in to help those nerve signals move better. It’s even used for acromegaly, a rare condition caused by excess growth hormone, because it can suppress the pituitary gland’s overactivity.

What makes bromocriptine different from other dopamine drugs is how long it’s been around and how specific it is. It doesn’t just boost dopamine everywhere—it targets the receptors that matter most for prolactin and movement. That’s why doctors reach for it when other treatments fail. But it’s not without side effects. Nausea, dizziness, and low blood pressure are common, especially when you start. That’s why most people begin with a tiny dose and slowly build up. It’s not something you take for fun. It’s a tool for correcting real biological imbalances.

You’ll find posts here that compare it to other dopamine agonists like cabergoline, talk about how it affects fertility, or explain why some people can’t take it if they have heart issues. Some articles dive into how it’s used in women trying to conceive, others look at its role in treating pituitary tumors. You’ll also see how it stacks up against newer drugs, what the real-world side effects look like, and why timing matters—like taking it with food to cut down on stomach upset.

This isn’t a drug you buy on a whim. It’s prescribed for specific, measurable problems. If you’re on it, you’re likely tracking hormone levels, adjusting doses with your doctor, and watching for changes in your body. The posts below give you the real talk—no fluff, no marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to know to use it safely and effectively.