In This Article:
High Prolactin: Hyperprolactinemia
Causes of High Prolactin
High Prolactin Treatment
The drug usually prescribed to treat prolactin excess is Bromocriptine (Parlodel ®). It suppresses the prolactin production, with a starting oral dosage of 1.25 to 2.5 mg a night, with the dosage increasing until levels are normal. Ovulation and menstruation generally return about six weeks after beginning the medication. It is continued until pregnancy occurs. It is also used to treat pituitary tumors. Unfortunately, prolactin levels usually rise again when medication is discontinued.
Side effects are mild and generally subside within a month. Lightheadedness, nausea and headaches are the most common side effects. Others include nasal congestion, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, vomiting and rarely, hallucinations. Side effects can be minimized when the dosage is slowly increased, allowing the woman to develop tolerance to the medication. It may also be helpful if administered vaginally. The cost for a thirty day supply for 2.5 mg is about $60, and $100 for 5 mg a day.
For those not wishing to become pregnant, physicians may choose simply to monitor levels as needed.
