Generic Parlodel

Parlodel is a brand name for bromocriptine mesylate. This drug is given in tablet or capsule form, and can be prescribed alone or with other medications for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. When treating Parkinson’s, it can increase your mobility and decrease your shakiness, as well as improving your stiffness, slowness, and unsteadiness. Parlodel is also given for hormonal problems that result from an excess of prolactin. If you have too much prolactin, you may find yourself producing unwanted breast milk, missing periods, having difficulty becoming pregnant, having reduced sperm production, and being unable to function sexually. Parlodel is also used to treat the production of too much growth hormone, and for the reduction of tumors which secrete prolactin. Parlodel works by helping to restore the level of dopamine in the brain and reduce the level of growth hormone and prolactin, but it does not cure the original cause of the imbalance.

Some common side effects of Parlodel can include nausea, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite or vomiting, and headache. If these effects worsen, or do not resolve over time, contact your health care provider. Some people experience sudden falling asleep while they are taking Parlodel; sometimes this happens with no warning or feelings of sleepiness before falling asleep. Before you drive or attempt any acitvity that requires alertness, you must ascertain that Parlodel will not make you fall asleep suddenly. This risk of falling asleep without warning is increased if you also consume alcohol. Another serious side effect may be a sudden drop in blood pressure. If this happens, you may feel dizzy or nauseated, or you may faint. This effect is more likely when you first begin taking Parlodel or immediately after an increase in dosage.

Other side effects of Parlodel are very rare, but when they occur are very serious. Some of these include back pain, cold or blue fingertips or toes, mental or mood changes (including depression, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia or restlessness), constant runny nose, stomach pain, swelling, a change in the amount of urine, or tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Other rare but serious reactions to Parlodel include difficulty breathing, bloody or black stools, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe or persistent headache, seizure, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or vision problems. Some people experience an allergic reaction, characterized by rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately, or seek emergency medical help.

Parlodel should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly needed. It can cause an increase in blood pressure that can be dangerous during pregnancy and cause complications. If you use Parlodel to make your periods more regular, you should have pregnancy tests once a month if you are sexually active. Parlodel may affect the production of breast milk, so it is not recommended that you try to nurse a child while taking Parlodel.