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Dopamine-Like Medicine
Typically referred to easily as levodopa, or L-DOPA, the drug finally turns into dopamine that your mind can use.
Dopamine can’t be taken instantly as a remedy as a result of it’s damaged down within the physique earlier than it reaches the mind.
Different potential unwanted side effects of levodopa embody nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and orthostatic hypotension, or low blood stress that happens when standing up after sitting or sitting up after mendacity down.
The apply tips observe that in early Parkinson’s, taking levodopa with meals could lower nausea, however in later phases of the illness, doing so could lower the drug’s therapeutic efficacy resulting from meals competing with levodopa for absorption from the intestine.
Sure drug therapies have been developed particularly to deal with off episodes. These embody Inbrija, an orally inhaled type of levodopa, and istradefylline (Nourianz), a medicine taken alongside levodopa.
Dopamine Agonists
These drugs mimic the motion of dopamine within the mind and may have unwanted side effects just like these of levodopa. They could be taken alone or with levodopa.
In accordance with the aforementioned tips for treating early Parkinson’s, dopamine agonists are extra possible than levodopa to trigger impulse management issues, extreme daytime sleepiness, and sleep assaults. They could even be extra prone to trigger hallucinations. And, like levodopa, they’ll contribute to orthostatic hypotension.
Nonetheless, particular person traits akin to physique dimension, intercourse, and illness severity additionally affect the probability of experiencing sure drug unwanted side effects, which is why people who find themselves within the early phases of Parkinson’s illness ought to speak with their physician concerning the potential advantages and dangers of those drugs earlier than beginning any of them.
RELATED: When Parkinson’s Therapies Result in Playing, Procuring, or Hypersexuality
MAO-B Inhibitors
Typically, an MAO-B inhibitor is taken with levodopa to extend the impact of that drug.
Nevertheless, taking these medicine concurrently sure antidepressants and sedatives must be averted or monitored carefully by your physician due to probably harmful interactions.
Widespread unwanted side effects of MAO-B inhibitors embody delicate nausea, dry mouth, lightheadedness, and constipation.
The apply tips observe that MAO-B inhibitors are much less efficient than levodopa at enhancing mobility in early Parkinson’s and are moreover related to a better threat of drug discontinuation due to unwanted side effects.
Your physician can assist you resolve whether or not this sort of medicine is an effective selection for you.
COMT Inhibitors
This group of medication contains entacapone (Comtan), opicapone (Ongentys), and tolcapone (Tasmar).
The commonest aspect impact of COMT inhibitors is diarrhea. They could additionally trigger sleep disturbances, dizziness, or hallucinations.
Tasmar has been proven to trigger extreme liver illness in some individuals, so chances are you’ll must bear common blood checks to evaluate your liver perform in the event you take it.
Amantadine (Symmetrel)
Amantadine (Symmetrel) is an antiviral medicine that will improve the results of dopamine within the mind. Researchers are uncertain why amantadine helps on this space.
Amantadine is typically taken by itself early in the middle of Parkinson’s illness. It could even be taken in a while to assist with dyskinesia attributable to levodopa.
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