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etting Pregnant and Fertility Drugs: Bromocriptine

Problems getting pregnant can create tension in the relationship between you and your partner. But, it doesn’t have to. Look for ways to ease the frustration and difficulties. Raise your fertility awareness. Talk to your local health care provider or doctor on ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Your doctor may suggest fertility treatments or fertility drugs like bromocriptine to raise the odds of getting pregnant.

What is Bromocriptine?

Bromocriptine is drug sold under the trade name Parlodel. Bromocriptine is used to treat various medical conditions. In women, bromocriptine may be prescribed to treat ovulation problems such as amenorrhea (absent periods) and abnormal breast milk production. In men, bromocriptine is used to help treat hypogonadism, a condition where low levels or no testosterones are secreted by the sex glands (gonads).

Other Uses of Bromocriptine

Bromocriptine, with a combination of other drugs is also used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and acromegaly, a condition where the body produces and secretes too much growth hormone. Also, the drug is used to treat cocaine addictions and certain tumors in both men and women.

How Do I Take Bromocriptine?

Bromocriptine comes in a pill or capsule and is taken once or twice daily. The drug should be taken as advised. Read your prescription label carefully. Do not increase or decrease or stop your doses without consulting your doctor. Ask your doctor if you are unclear on the instructions or would like more information on the drug.

To lower the chances of getting an upset stomach take bromocriptine with milk or food. It’s recommended that the person lay down after he or she takes their first dose of bromocriptine because dizziness may occur.

Bromocriptine Side Effects: What are they?

Some of the common side effects of bromocriptine include:

  • dizziness and headaches
  • fatigue
  • upset stomach or cramps
  • nausea and vomiting
  • constipation or diarrhea

Note these symptoms should subside when your body adjusts to the bromocriptine and may lessen if you take the drug with a meal. However, contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or worsen.

Other possibly more serious but infrequent side effects of bromocriptine include:

  • shortness of breath
  • irregular pulse
  • rashes
  • involuntary movements
  • tingling of hands or feet

Notify your health care provider or doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms or any other changes not listed above while taking bromocriptine. Note this is not a complete list of the possible side effects of the drug.

Bromocriptine and Female Fertility

If you are using bromocriptine to treat amenorrhea, it often takes 6 to 8 weeks for menstruation to occur. If you are using bromocriptine because you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, you may need to use another form of birth control other than contraceptives until you experience regular menstruatal cycles. Once you regulate your cycles, stop using the birth control. If you notice that your next period is late by at least 3 days, visit your doctor to take a pregnancy test.

You should stop taking bromocriptine immediately after pregnancy. If you do not wish to get pregnant, but are taking bromocriptine to regulate your cycles, then you should use another method of birth control other than contraceptives.

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