Bromocriptine, originally marketed as Parlodel and subsequently under many brand names, is an ergoline derivative and dopamine agonist that is used in the treatment of pituitary tumors, Parkinsons disease, hyperprolactinaemia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and, as an adjunct, type 2 diabetes. It was patented in 1968 and approved for medical use in 1975. Medical uses
Bromocriptine is used to treat acromegaly and conditions associated with hyperprolactinemia like amenorrhea, infertility, hypogonadism, and prolactin-secreting adenomas. It is also used to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and to treat Parkinsons disease.Since the late 1980s it has been used, off-label, to reduce the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal but the evidence for this use is poor.A quick-release formulation of bromocriptine, Cycloset, is also used to treat type 2 diabetes. When administered within 2 hours of awakening, it increases hypothalamic dopamine level and as a result decreases hepatic glucose production. It therefore acts as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control. Side effects
Most frequent side effects are nausea, orthostatic hypotension, headaches, and vomiting through stimulation of the brainstem vomiting centre. Vasospasms with serious consequences such as myocardial infarction and stroke that have been reported in  connection with the puerperium, appear to be extremely rare events. Peripheral vasospasm (of the fingers or toes) can cause Raynauds Phenomenon. Bromocriptine use has been anecdotally associated with causing or worsening psychotic symptoms (its mechanism is in opposition of most antipsychotics, whose mechanisms generally block dopamine receptors).
Within a decade, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 was passed, the purpose of which was to make it more difficult for individuals to obtain these drugs, with or without a prescription. The rationale for the act was the dangerous and life-threatening side effects of such drugs, which became better understood during the 1960s. See also
Nicotine dependence
Amphetamine dependence
Cocaine dependence
Substance use disorder

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