According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Parkinson's disease is a motor system disorder that develops as a result of a dopamine deficiency in the brain. A number of debilitating symptoms accompany this disease, such as body stiffness, trembling and an inability to move or walk. While no cure exists, medications are available to help control and manage these symptoms.
Apomorphine
Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist and is considered a first-line drug when it comes to the treatment of Parkinson's. It helps control the symptoms of Parkinson's by acting directly on the dopamine receptors in the brain that dopamine binds to.
Because apomorphine is not safe or effective when taken orally, it must be administered as either a nasal spray or an injection. Due to its rapid onset, apomorphine is often used for patients who need a fast-acting medication for severe episodes and symptoms. The most common side effects associated with this medication include yawning, drowsiness, involuntary body movements, nausea and vomiting.
Levodopa and Carbidopa
Levodopa was the first major breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson's, according to the National Parkinson Foundation. It is usually the first drug used once a diagnosis is made. Those with Parkinson's lack the chemical dopamine. Levodopa increases the production of this chemical, making it extremely effective in treating the symptoms of this disease.
Levodopa has the greatest effect on body stiffness, slow movement, reduced facial expressions, trembling and walking. The drawback is that when taken orally, only a portion of the medication is converted into dopamine that can be used by the brain. This frequently causes side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate and loss of appetite. Because of this, doctors usually prescribe lodosyn (Carbidopa) to be taken in conjunction with Levodopa. This allows more dopamine to enter the brain. This medication combination is called Sinemet and is often used in the early stages of Parkinson's disease, according to the National Parkinson Foundation.
Rasagiline
Rasagiline is also known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and works by blocking the monoamine oxidase enzyme. It is this enzyme that is responsible for breaking down dopamine in the brain. Blocking the enzyme not only slows the breakdown of naturally produced dopamine, but it also slows the breakdown of dopamine formed by Sinemet. Rasagiline is considered a second or third line of treatment and is typically used in combination with medications such as Sinemet or apomorphine.
The most common side effects associated with this medication include headaches, indigestion, joint pain, depression and heartburn.
