Medications Used to Treat Parkinson’s Disease

Medication is only part of the possible treatment plans for Parkinson's disease.
There are over-the-counter and prescription medications that may be part of
the treatment plan. A patient or the family has to be able to manage the
medications so that correct dosing and dosing times are observed. There are
usually a variety of different medications to be taken that will help to manage
the symptoms of Parkinson's. On top of having different medications, there will
be different dosages to keep straight. It is vital that the patient or the caregiver
of the patient become knowledgeable regarding the medications so that
mistakes or interactions can be avoided. Being able to stick to the prescribed
medication regime will give the highest degree of benefit to the patient. Missed
doses can lead to unpleasant "off" periods, so it is important not to miss doses.

There is side effects to the

medications that should be

explained when the

medication is first

introduced to the patient.

Adjustments to dosage can

usually reduce or eliminate

these side effects so it is

important to tell the doctor

about any side effects that

are being experienced while

on the medications.

It is really important that you have all of the medications filled at the same
pharmacy so that the pharmacy can keep track of all the medications that you
are taking so that interactions between medications can be caught before they
are given to you avoiding any potential harm. Some drug interactions can be
harmful even dangerous to the point of being life threatening, so it is vital that
this precaution be taken. Your pharmacist and doctor should be also informed
of any over-the-counter medications that you are taking and also let them
know of any supplements such as herbs that you are taking too as these can
also cause interactions.

No two patients will have the exact same drug regimen because every one is
unique regarding the symptoms they have and any other medical conditions.
There are many variables including symptom presentation, other health issues
and what over-the-counter medications, supplements or herbal remedies you
may also be taking. All the patient's needs and their particular metabolism may
also be considered when making medication decisions.

Common medications used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease
include levodopa preparations, which are usually a "first choice" or initial
prescription. Levodopa converts into dopamine by an enzyme in the brain and
then released by brain cells and activates dopamine receptors which than
allows for normal function in the movement control centers of the brain. Many
doctors view Levodopa as the most effective medication for the treatment of
Parkinson's disease. In fact, it is often said that levodopa is the "gold standard"
to which other treatments are measured.

Levodopa may be combined with carbidopa in order to prevent levodopa from
being converted into dopamine in the bloodstream so that more of it reaches
the brain. When carbidopa is used in conjunction with levodopa, less of the
levodopa is necessary. One side effect of levodopa is nausea and vomiting, so
when a smaller dose is needed, this side effect is diminished.

Drugs that may interact with levodopa include antacids, anti-seizure drugs, anti-
hypertensives, and anti-depressants. High protein food also reacts negatively
with levodopa.

A combination tablet that contains carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone is also
used for patients that tend to experience end-of-dose "wearing off" of the
medicine. Entacapone extends the time in which levodopa is active in the brain.
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