MAO-B inhibitors - Parkinson's drugs
MAO-B
inhibitors are used to treat the symptoms
of Parkinson's
They work by preventing the breakdown of dopamine in the
brain.
They are used to make levodopa last
longer or reduce the amount required.
The generic drug names and brand names are:
- Selegiline (Eldepryl®, Zelapar®)
- Rasagiline (Azilect®)
Advantages of MAO-B inhibitors
MAO-B inhibitors may reduce fluctuations in effectiveness of
drugs that some people with Parkinson's experience after the first
few years.
By itself, selegiline has very few side effects.
Because Zelapar is absorbed better, a smaller dose is
needed.
Some disadvantages of MAO-B inhibitors
When selegiline is taken together with levodopa, side effects such as dyskinesias
(uncontrolled voluntary movements), hallucinations or vivid
dreaming may sometimes occur or worsen.
When people have taken rasagiline on its own (without levodopa),
the most commonly reported side effects have been:
- headache
- aching joints
- indigestion
- flu-like symptoms
- depression
When taken with levodopa, the most common reports were of
uncontrolled movements and accidental falls.
Many of these side effects may be due to the increase in
dopamine caused by rasagiline or selegiline. Your doctor or
consultant can alter the dosage to correct these effects.
Rasagiline should not be taken together with, or within 5 weeks
of receiving, Fluoxetine (Prozac) or Fluvoxamine (Faverin).
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
Direct and confidential help and support
- email
-
Share