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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.