Dopamine agonists - Parkinson's drugs
Dopamine agonist
drugs are one of the main ways to treat Parkinson's symptoms.
Parkinson's symptoms are caused by a
decrease in the levels of the chemical messenger dopamine, due to
the death of the nerve cells in the brain that make it.
Dopamine agonist drugs act like dopamine to stimulate your nerve
cells.
The generic drug names and brand names are:
- pramipexole dihydrochloride (Mirapexin®, Mirapexin® prolonged
release)
- ropinirole hydrochloride (ReQuip®, ReQuip® XL)
- pergolide mesilate (Celance®)
- bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel®)
- cabergoline (Cabaser®)
- rotigotine (Neupro®)
- apomorphine hydrochloride (APO-go®,
APO-go® PEN, APO-go® PFS)
Dopamine agonists are used at all stages of Parkinson's. You
might take them alone when treatment is being started, or alongside
levodopa to help it work
better.
Treatment with dopamine agonists has to be started carefully,
with the dose gradually increased until you and your specialist or
Parkinson's nurse are happy that your symptoms are under
control.
If you have any form of heart or lung disease, or symptoms that
might be related to a problem with your heart or lungs, tell your
GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse if you are thinking about
taking a dopamine agonist.
Taking dopamine agonists
While dopamine agonists are introduced gradually, benefits
begin to appear as dosage is increased. They can prevent side
effects such as involuntary movements (dyskinesia) and 'on/off'
fluctuations.
Research has shown they can also have a good effect on the
symptoms of Parkinson's that are not related to movement.
Most dopamine agonists are taken by mouth as tablets or capsules
up to several times a day. These come in different strengths.
Some dopamine agonists are now being made as 'one-a-day'
tablets, or as prolonged-release tablets. These work for longer in
the body compared to normal capsules and tablets.
There is also a patch for rotigotine that is applied once daily
onto the skin. This may be good if you have trouble swallowing
tablets.
Apomorphine is available in
injection form or as a continuous infusion under the skin.
Side effects and problems with dopamine agonists
Common side effects of dopamine agonists include:
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation
- headaches
- drowsiness and sudden 'attacks' of sleepiness
- dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure
- hallucinations or
delusions and confusion
- existing dyskinesias (uncontrolled movements) may initially
become more troublesome
Impulsive and compulsive behaviour
Some people taking dopamine agonists have problems controlling
impulsive and compulsive behaviour.
More information
Read our Drug treatments for Parkinson's
booklet.
Or visit the Medicine Guides website for independent, up-to-date
information about these medicines:
More drug treatments for Parkinson's
Return to the drug treatments for
Parkinson's main page
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