Dopamine agonists - Parkinson's drugs
Dopamine agonist
drugs are one of the main ways to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's
The loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain leads to the
appearance of Parkinson's symptoms
Dopamine agonists directly stimulate the parts of the brain
where dopamine works and mimic its function.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter
(chemical) that influences both the movement and thinking areas of
the brain.
The generic drug names and brand names are:
- pramipexole dihydrochloride (Mirapexin®)
- ropinirole hydrochloride (ReQuip®)
- pergolide mesilate (Celance®)
- bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel®)
- cabergoline (Cabaser®, Dostinex®)
- rotigotine (Neupro®)
- apomorphine hydrochloride
(APO-go®)
When dopamine agonists are used alone, they can be less
effective than levodopa at controlling
the motor symptoms of Parkinson's.
Dopamine agonists need to be carefully introduced to minimise
their side effects. Agonists are therefore started at a low dose
and increased gradually until the best benefits are achieved.
However, they are mostly used with levodopa to ease the control
of symptoms in people whose response to treatment is beginning to
fluctuate.
If you have any form of heart or lung disease, or symptoms that
might be related to a problem with the heart or lungs, be sure to
inform your medical team if you are
considering taking one of the dopamine agonist drugs.
Taking dopamine agonists
Dopamine agonists should be introduced gradually. At first it
may feel like they have little effect and for a brief time symptoms
may feel worse.
Benefits begin to appear as dosage is increased and can
prevent side effects such as uncontrolled movements (dyskinesias)
and 'on/off' fluctuations.
Most dopamine agonists are taken by mouth as tablets or capsules
up to several times a day.
There is also a patch for rotigotine that is applied once daily
onto the skin.
Apomorphine is available as a single
injection or as a continuous infusion under the skin.
Side effects and problems of dopamine agonists
Common side effects of dopamine agonists include:
- nausea and vomiting
- drowsiness and sudden 'attacks' of sleepiness
- dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure
- hallucinations and confusion
- existing dyskinesias (uncontrolled movements) may initially
become more troublesome
Compulsive behaviour
There is growing evidence that suggests a link between certain
dopamine agonists and compulsive behaviour.
Read more on compulsive behaviour:
More information
Read our drug treatment of Parkinson's
booklet
Or visit the Medicine Guides website for independent, up to date
information about these medicines:
More drug treatments of Parkinson's
Return to the drug treatment of
Parkinson's main page
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