Parlodel: Uses, Side Effects, and What You Need to Know

When you hear Parlodel, a brand name for the dopamine agonist bromocriptine used to treat Parkinson’s disease, high prolactin levels, and certain pituitary tumors. Also known as bromocriptine, it works by mimicking dopamine in the brain—helping control movement in Parkinson’s and lowering prolactin to restore normal hormone balance. Unlike many drugs that just mask symptoms, Parlodel targets the root cause in conditions like hyperprolactinemia, where the body makes too much prolactin, leading to infertility, irregular periods, or unwanted breast milk.

It’s not just for Parkinson’s. Doctors also use it for hyperprolactinemia, a condition caused by excess prolactin, often from a benign pituitary tumor, and even in some cases of type 2 diabetes, where it helps improve insulin sensitivity. But it’s not harmless. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure—especially when standing up fast. People with heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure need to be extra careful. It can also interact with other meds, like antipsychotics or certain blood pressure drugs, which is why you never start or stop it without talking to your doctor.

Parlodel belongs to a class called dopamine agonists, drugs that activate dopamine receptors to replace or boost dopamine activity. It’s one of the older ones, but still in use because it’s effective and affordable. Newer options like cabergoline exist, and they often have fewer side effects and longer dosing schedules. But for many, Parlodel remains a solid choice—especially if cost or insurance coverage is a factor.

You’ll find posts here that dig into real-world concerns: how to handle side effects, what to do if you miss a dose, how it interacts with other medications like St. John’s Wort or antidepressants, and why monitoring your blood pressure matters when you’re on it. There’s also info on how it’s used beyond the label—like in fertility treatments or for managing acromegaly. Some posts compare it to alternatives, while others warn about what happens when it’s not taken correctly.

Whether you’re taking it for Parkinson’s, a pituitary issue, or something else, knowing how it works—and how not to mess it up—is key. This collection gives you practical, no-fluff advice from people who’ve been there, doctors who’ve seen the results, and studies that back up what actually helps. No marketing. No hype. Just what you need to stay safe and get the most out of your treatment.