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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