Parkinson's disease refers to a neurological disorder in which the brain lacks a certain brain chemical called dopamine. The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of Parkinson's disease include a tremor, rigid muscles, slowed motion (bradykinesia), an expressionless face and dementia. Fortunately, some common drugs for Parkinson's disease exist to decrease its symptoms.
Levodopa
Levodopa, commonly sold as Laradopa or Dopar, is a medication that actually becomes converted to dopamine. Drugs.com states that levodopa treats symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Its less concerning side effects include muscle twitches, agitation, anxiety, fatigue, vomiting and nausea. Some of levodopa's serious side effects include an irregular heartbeat, seizures, depression, changes in mood or behavior and suicidal thoughts. Phone a doctor when levodopa leads to these side effects. Suffering from depression, kidney or liver disease, asthma or high blood pressure may require a decrease in levodopa's dose. Call a doctor when levodopa leads to these side effects. Levodopa is available as a tablet and is taken daily or as prescribed.
Pramipexole
Pramipexole, commonly sold as Mirapex, is another common medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. According to MedlinePlus, pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that replaces the dopamine necessary to control movement. Pramipexole's less serious side effects include confusion, weight loss, dizziness, weakness, a poor appetite, frequent urination, nausea and joint pain. Some of pramipexole's serious side effects include shortness of breath, muscle stiffness, visual changes and hallucinations. Phone a doctor when pramipexole leads to these effects. Taking such medications as cimetidine, levodopa, tranquilizers or antihistamines may require a decrease in pramipexole's dose. This medication is a tablet taken three times a day.
Selegiline
Selegiline, commonly sold as Zelapar or Eldepryl, is a medication that specifically prevents the body from breaking down dopamine. Drugs.com states that selegiline's less serious side effects include back pain, constipation, a stuffy nose, mouth sores and weakness. Sometimes, selegiline's serious side effects include hallucinations, fainting, lightheadedness, seizure and trouble urinating. Phone a doctor when selegiline leads to these effects. Avoid combining selegiline with such medications as tramadol, meperidine or tranylcypromine. Selegiline is a tablet or capsule taken daily or as prescribed.
