Posted by Cam W. on April 8, 2000, at 20:53:27
In reply to Re: clarification, please read everyone(esp. Cam), posted by CarolAnn on April 8, 2000, at 13:59:22
KarenB - Since I've been fixed I never hold back on anything. I do know about some people using bromocriptine for sexual dysfunction, but I am not a fan of the drug.Bromocriptine was used (until recently) to dry up breast milk in lactating women, until researchers discovered it just delayed the drying up process. Thus, the drug was prolonging the agony of engorged boobs in new moms who could not (or would not) breast feed. (Ya think it was male scientists who can up with this use for the drug? - no doubt.) You ladys are constantly getting screwed by medical research. (no pun intended).
Today, we use bromocriptine mainly in people (both men and women) who have a hormone elevation (prolactin) when taking the older antipsychotics or the newer Risperdal. Increased prolactin levels can cause some long term problems (eg osteoporosis, gynecomastia, and hormone imbalances - I think) and some immediate problems (eg lactation). We use it to dry up men and women who lactate when taking these drugs.
Bromocriptine is also used in several hormonal disorders and in Parkinsonism. It is a dopaminergic drug similar to ergot-like drugs. It has agonist activity at dopamine-D2 receptors and antagonist propeties at dopamine-D1 receptors. Bromocriptine also directly inhibits the release and synthesis of prolactin from the pituitary.
I can't remember what the mechanism of action in sexual dysfunction is, but I believe it involves dopamine-D1 blockade (my notes are at work and I never reccomend the drug).
Because bromocriptine stimulates dopamine-D2 receptors, it would probably be contraindicated in those with severe dopamine dysfunction (severe schizophrenia), unless closely watched by a doctor.
Side effects include (frequently) - nausea, vomiting, headache, upset tummy, and (sometimes) hypertension, hallucinations, depression, confusion, abnormal involuntary movements and nightmares. These side effects are more annoying (I believe) than sexual dysfunction. Actually, with my wife, I just use the Paxil-induced sexual dysfunction as a challenge.
Hope this helps - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:29285
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/29362.html