Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder associated with such symptoms as hand tremors, slow body movements, muscle stiffness, a stooped posture, unsteadiness on the feet and changes in speech. Sometimes, Parkinson's disease also leads to dementia. Parkinson's medication treatments are available to help manage symptoms.
Levodopa
Levodopa, commonly sold as Dopar or Laradopa, is a medication that increases the amount of the brain chemical dopamine within the body. Parkinson's disease results when there is a decline in dopamine. Drugs.com says that levodopa's less serious side effects include a decreased appetite, fatigue, anxiety, agitation, constipation, a dry mouth, nightmares, drowsiness and a poor appetite. Some of levodopa's serious side effects include persistent diarrhea, suicidal thoughts, seizures, uncontrolled body movements and an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the tongue, face or lips and closing up of the throat. Seek emergency medical care if levodopa leads to these effects.
Apomorphine
Apomorphine, commonly sold as Apokyn or Uprima, is a medication that acts like dopamine to reduce Parkinson's symptoms. Drugs.com says that apomorphine's less serious side effects include a headache, depression, runny nose, constipation, diarrhea and increased sweating. In some instances, apomorphine leads to itching, bruising or hardening of the skin and swelling of the hands or feet. Apomorphine's serious side effects include chest pain, confusion, hallucinations, lightheadedness, tremors, vomiting and involuntary movements of the tongue, jaw, neck or eyes. Talk to a physician if apomorphine leads to these effects. Apomorphine is an injection given as needed or prescribed.
Trihexyphenidyl
Trihexyphenidyl, commonly sold as Trihexane or Artane, is a medication that also reduces Parkinson's disease symptoms. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, indicates that trihexyphenidyl's less serious side effects include constipation, diarrhea, blurry vision, dizziness, constipation, trouble urinating and light sensitivity. Its serious side effects include depression, confusion, a fever, pounding or irregular heartbeat, skin rash and eye pain. Call a doctor if triheyxyphenidyl leads to these effects. Trihexyphenidyl is a tablet taken three to four times daily; the capsule is taken once a day.
