Posted by Cam W. on September 7, 2000, at 6:49:09
In reply to Bromocriptine?, posted by JohnL on September 7, 2000, at 4:44:12
John - Bromocriptine (Parlodel™ & others) is a dopamine D2 agonist (stimulates D2 receptors - the opposite of traditional antipsychotics, like Haldol™). Originally it was mainly used to help new moms dry up their breast milk, but it was found only to delay the agony (no personal experience, just bitching from customers).
Bromocriptine is a D2 agonist it inhibits prolactin, suppresses growth hormone, and is sometimes used for the tremors of Parkinson's disease (although, it may actually worsen this disease) via the nigrostriatal pathway.
The way it probably only works for sexual dysfunction caused by hyperprolactinemia (too much prolactin, as is seen with some antipsychotics and in some menstrual disorders), although I have seen it tried in SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (with not good results). The rationale here may be to reverse some of the dopamine suppression due to the increase in the body's serotonin levels (a big leap of faith and a little too reductionistic a view of the neurotransmitter system, for me).
One of bromocriptine's side effects is to produce those nasty free radicals that kill cells (and are mopped up by antioxidants, like vitamin C) as is seen in some cancers. Other side effects are the usual headache, nausea, vomiting, cramps, dizziness, etc. Some less likely ones are skin mottling, hair loss, changes in urinary frequency, confusion, hallucinations, fatigue, edema of feet, etc. Also, it is not to be used in people with heart problems.
Would I reverse drug-induced sexual side effects with this drug? Only if my breasts were leaking from galactorrhea. Bromocritpine has too many side effects and doesn't work that well. IMO, •don't bother•.
BTW - the usual dose is 1.25mg daily (with food) and titrate slowly (as needed) to 2.5mg three times daily.
Hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:44425
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000905/msgs/44426.html