Bromocriptine Side Effects

Bromocriptine is a medication indicated for the treatment of pituitary disorders, type-2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease, a condition that disrupts motor skills and speech. The drug works by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which reduces the growth hormone and the hormone prolactin. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1978.

Bromocriptine has been studied extensively in clinical trials and post-marketing adverse event reports. The side effects of taking bromocriptine can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the condition for which the medication was prescribed.

Side Effects for Hyperprolactinemia Patients

Hyperprolactinemia is a pituitary disorder that can result in menstrual cycle disruption, untimely production of breast milk, pituitary tumors, infertility and erectile dysfunction. Bromocriptine is effective in treating this disorder, but also results in several side effects.

According to Drugs.com, 69 percent of patients taking bromocriptine for hyperprolactinemia have experienced side effects. Forty-nine percent experienced nausea, while 19 percent experienced headache. Other common non-serious side effects are dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nasal congestion, constipation and drowsiness.

Side Effects for Acromegaly Patients

Acromegaly is a pituitary disorder resulting in the overproduction of post-pubertal growth hormone, with patients experiencing excessive growth and exaggerated features. Patients that take bromocriptine for acromegaly may experience several side effects.

According to the prescribing label for Parlodel, a bromocriptine trade name, the most common side effects in acromegaly patients are nausea and constipation, occurring in 18 percent and 14 percent of patients, respectively. Other side effects include low blood pressure, reduced appetite and weight loss, dry mouth, nasal stiffness, indigestion and upset stomach, drowsiness, fatigue, vomiting and finger spasms.

Side Effects for Parkinson's Disease Patients

Patients taking bromocriptine for Parkinson's disease may also experience several side effects. According to Drug.com, the most common adverse events are nausea, abnormal involuntary movements, hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, vomiting, weakness and an "on-off" condition characterized by absent and recurring Parkinson's symptoms. Side effects occurring less often include blood vessel blockage and inflammation, seizures, spots of decayed skin and urinary disturbances including incontinence and retention.

Side Effects for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Bromocriptine can also cause several side effects in patients taking it for type 2 diabetes. According to eMedTV, the most common side effects are nausea and weakness, occurring in around 32 percent and 19 percent of patients, respectively. Other common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue and runny nose.

In the March 2010 issue of "Diabetes Care," Dr. John Gaziano and associates found that quick-release bromocriptine was relatively safe and resulted in fewer side effects than placebo. Patients also experienced fewer side effects specifically relating to cardiovascular events including tissue damage, stroke, chest pain, heart failure and coronary revascularization.