Bromocriptine is a prescribed medication that belongs to the drug class, ergot alkaloids. According to MayoClinic.com, bromocriptine blocks the release of the hormone called prolactin from the pituitary gland. Prolactin is a hormone that affects the female menstrual cycle and milk production during pregnancy. Therefore, this medication is commonly used to treat patients who have abnormal milk leakage from the breasts. Bromocriptine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and acromegaly, states Drugs.com. A patient taking bromocriptine should understand the neurological side effects associated with it.
Headache
A headache is a common side effect experienced in patients taking bromocriptine for hyperprolactinemia. This occurs in approximately 19 percent of patients, states Drugs.com. A headache may occur because bromocriptine can affect certain chemical signals in the brain that may affect blood vessels or other tissue in the brain that can lead to a headache. If a patient experiences a headache while taking bromocriptine, he should not hesitate to schedule an appointment to see his doctor. The doctor will likely decrease the dosage or prescribe a different medication that does not cause headaches.
Lightheadedness
A patient taking bromocriptine may experience lightheadedness, states MedlinePlus. This occurs because bromocriptine may cause vasodialation, or widening, of the blood vessels in the brain. As blood vessels widen, blood pressure decreases which may cause a patient to experience lightheadedness, or faintness. In this case, a patient should not hesitate to let his doctor know that he is experiencing this side effect. If a patient faints and loses consciousness, emergency medical treatment should be sought.
Drowsiness
A patient may experience drowsiness while taking bromocriptine. This occurs because bromocriptine may affect certain chemicals in the brain that may cause drowsiness. This neurologic side effect occurs in 3 percent of patients, states Drugs.com. In this case, a patient should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication until he knows how his body responds to it. If a patient is experiencing excessive drowsiness and can no longer complete functions of daily living, he should let his doctor know so the dosage can be adjusted or a different medication can be prescribed.
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