MAO-B inhibitors - Parkinson's drugs
MAO-B
inhibitors are used to treat the symptoms
of Parkinson's.
They prevent the breakdown of the chemical messenger dopamine in
the brain, by blocking an enzyme that breaks it down, called
monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B).
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
A MAO-B inhibitor can be used on its own in early Parkinson’s, or in combination with other drugs
at all stages of Parkinson's. These drugs are mainly available as
tablets. There is also a form that dissolves on the tongue. This
may help if you have trouble swallowing.
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 have been 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.
If you’re taking some types of antidepressant, you might not be
able to take MAO-B inhibitors, as these drugs can interact with
each other to raise blood pressure to a dangerous level. Rasagiline
should not be taken together with, or within 5 weeks of receiving,
Fluoxetine (Prozac) or Fluvoxamine (Faverin).
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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