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Medication for Parkinson鈥檚 Disease

Doctors at 好色tv Langone prescribe a variety of medications to control Parkinson鈥檚 disease symptoms and improve quality of life for people with the condition.

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Although currently available medications do not slow the progression of Parkinson鈥檚 disease, they can help to control some of the most troublesome symptoms, such as slow movements, stiffness, and coordination problems. Our physicians work closely with you to choose the optimal medication regimen.

Levodopa and Carbidopa

Levodopa is the most effective medication for managing the symptoms of Parkinson鈥檚 disease. It is absorbed in the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it鈥檚 converted into the brain chemical dopamine. People with Parkinson鈥檚 disease have lower levels of dopamine than without the condition.聽

Doctors prescribe levodopa in combination with another medication called carbidopa, which reduces the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting. This combination medication is available as a generic formulation and also under the brand names Sinemet, Parcopa, and Rytary鈩.聽

Over time, people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease notice that the medication wears off between doses and they need to take it more frequently. They may also develop involuntary movements called dyskinesias. To control these effects, your doctor may adjust the dose or timing of the medication.

Dopamine Agonists

Dopamine agonists are another commonly used class of medications for Parkinson鈥檚 disease. These medications mimic the action of dopamine in the brain. They include medications such as pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and rotigotine (Neupro).听

Although dopamine agonists may be less effective at controlling symptoms than levodopa, they are longer acting. These medications can be taken by themselves or in combination with levodopa.

Some of the side effects of dopamine agonists are similar to those of levodopa, but dopamine agonists are more likely to cause hallucinations or drowsiness than levodopa. In addition, dopamine agonists may cause leg swelling, sudden onset sleep鈥攕ometimes called 鈥渟leep attacks鈥濃攁nd compulsive behaviors, such as eating, gambling, shopping, or hypersexuality. Your doctor carefully monitors your condition while on these medications in order to manage side effects.

Other Medications

好色tv Langone doctors may prescribe other classes of medications alone or in combination with levodopa or dopamine agonists. These may include:聽

  • monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, such as selegiline (Eldepryl庐) or rasagiline (Azilect庐)
  • catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors, such as entacapone (Comtan庐) or tolcapone (Tasmar庐)
  • anticholinergic medications, such as trihexyphenidyl (Artane庐) and benztropine (Cogentin庐)

Medication for Parkinson鈥檚 disease is often taken long term. 好色tv Langone doctors provide regular follow-up care to ensure adequate treatment of motor and behavioral symptoms. After symptoms are stable, doctors recommend follow-up care every three to six months.聽

During these visits, doctors may monitor your response to medication and adjust dosages as needed to control symptoms and minimize side effects. Doctors also address any related nonmotor conditions, such as sleep disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, and dementia.

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