Parkinson's disease is a condition in which neurons in the brain are gradually killed. The neurons that are killed are those that produce large quantities of dopamine, which is a chemical that the brain uses to control movement and other actions. Many, but not all of the top drugs for Parkinson's target dopamine.
Levodopa and Carbidopa
Levodopa is the most effective and most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Levodopa is a chemical which is naturally found in the body; when a synthetic version of the drug is taken orally it is transported into the brain where nerve cells will convert it into the chemical dopamine. This helps boost the dopamine levels in the brain, which are abnormally low in patient's with Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is often prescribed along with levodopa because it helps minimize some of levodopa's side effects. Brand name medications which contain levodopa and carbidopa include Sinemet and Stalevo.
Dopamine Agonists
Another type of medication which is commonly prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's is the dopamine agonist class of drugs. Dopamine agonists are compounds which are similar in structure to dopamine, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. When they get into the brain they are able to mimic the effects of dopamine, helping relieve the symptoms of low dopamine concentrations. Bromocriptine, which is sold under the name of Parlodel and ropinirole, which is the active ingredient in Requip are two frequently prescribed versions of these medications.
Anticholinergic Medications
The oldest treatment for Parkinson's disease, according to Parkinson Rockies, are anticholinergics. Anticholinergics do not target dopamine; instead they block the effects of another chemical in the brain, called acetylcholine. By blocking the effects of acetylcholine these drugs help to correct the dopamine/acetylcholine imbalance that commonly occurs in Parkinson's patients. Examples of these drugs include benzotropine mesylate and trihexyphenidyl HCL
MAO-B and COMT Inhibitors
MAO-B and COMT inhibitors are two different medications that can be used along with levodopa. Selegiline, which is a commonly prescribed MAO-B inhibitor, slows the rate at which levodopa is broken down in the brain, which means that less levodopa is needed. Entacapone, a COMT inhibitor, has a similar mechanism of action.
