Drug treatments

 

As there is no cure for Parkinson's at present, drugs are used to try to control symptoms of Parkinson's. There are no perfect drugs, although there are many promising developments.

 

The main aims of drug treatments for Parkinson's are to:

 

  • increase the level of dopamine that reaches the brain
  • stimulate the parts of the brain where dopamine works
  • block the action of other chemicals that affect dopamine, such as acetylcholine as well as several enzymes that reduce dopamine's effect.

 

In most newly diagnosed people considerable improvements can be achieved by careful introduction of anti-Parkinson's drugs.

 

When somebody only has mild symptoms, they may decide, together with their GP/consultant, to postpone drug treatment until symptoms increase and instead rely on a healthy lifestyle, focusing on exercise, relaxation and diet.

 

As Parkinson's disease is a very individual condition, medication is prescribed and adapted to individual needs. Response to medication varies from person to person and not every medication will be considered suitable for everyone.

 

As branded drugs get older, they cease to be protected by patent. Once this happens, they can be 'copied' and produced slightly more cost effectively, but with the same stringent quality requirements. These may look different from the branded version and will not have the same name, but in all other ways the drug is the same.

 

This section of the website details the main drug regimes available for the treatment of Parkinson's. To find out more, please select from the list of links below.

 

We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented on this website is accurate at time of updating. The Parkinson's Disease Society, however, makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendation.

 

Please remember that information about drugs may change. This website does not list all the uses and side effects associated with these drugs. For full details, please see the drug information leaflet that comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side effects that may be relevant in your particular case. The reader is advised to consult a doctor regarding all aspects of individual health care.

 

For more information, download our booklet The Drug Treatment of Parkinson's Disease from our selection of booklets on treatments and therapies

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