Parkinson's is a progressive disease affecting the nervous system, meaning that it worsens as it develops. The signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease include shakiness in the limbs, a loss of muscle responsiveness and problems with mobility and posture. As a progressive problem, Parkinson's is not curable, but it is possible to get relief from symptoms through medications specifically designed for Parkinson's.
Types
As of 2010, Drugs.com reports 36 medications officially associated with treating Parkinson's disease and its related symptoms in the U.S.; however, many off-label uses for these drugs exist as well. These medications fall into five classes. They are anticholinergic anti-Parkinson agents, dopaminergic anti-Parkinson agents, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, cholinesterase inhibitors and adamantane antivirals. A patient may be prescribed more than one of these medications at any one time, depending upon the severity and scope of his symptoms.
Effects
The targeted effects of Parkinson's medications are twofold. Medication treatments for Parkinson's work to slow the decrease in brain dopamine levels associated with the disease and to address the muscular symptoms associated with the disease. MAO inhibitors may also help slow the progression of Parkinson's by preventing dopamine destruction in the brain.
Benefits
An estimated 85 percent of Parkinson's patients can be helped with medication, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The primary benefits of drug treatment include the elimination of tremors, a slowing of the progression of the disease and an improvement in muscle control overall for better mobility and daily functionality of limbs.
Warnings
Some medication treatments for Parkinson's can cause muscular and mental side effects. Dopamine agonists can cause nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable movements, light-headedness, confusion or hallucinations, while anticholinergics can impair memory and thinking. The mental effects may be particularly pronounced in patients who are elderly or already facing mental health challenges.
Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists four main considerations for seeking medication treatments for Parkinson's disease. These include the degree of functional impairment, the degree of cognitive impairment, the ability of the patient to tolerate the medication and the advice of the patient's doctor. The Cleveland Clinic adds a fifth consideration, which is the age of the patient. All five of these things can dictate which medications are going to be the best choices and have the most tolerable side effects to enhance quality of life for the patient.
