Parkinson's disease is a crippling motor system disorder that leads to such symptoms as tremors, slow movements, trouble swallowing and constipation, says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). It can also cause limb stiffness and lack of coordination. These symptoms result from a lack of dopamine. Fortunately, physicians can prescribe medications to manage Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Levodopa and Carbidopa
The combination of two drugs called levodopa and carbidopa is used to treat Parkinson's disease. According to MedlinePlus, carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents levidopa breakdown. Levidopa is a central nervous system agent that converts to dopamine within the brain.
MedlinePlus says that levodopa and carbidopa's side effects include nausea, dizziness, a poor appetite, diarrhea, headaches and drowsiness. These medications can also cause trouble sleeping, sweating, a fast or irregular heartbeat and black or bloody stools. Potentially life-threatening effects include trouble breathing or swallowing and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Levodopa and carbidopa is available as a regular, extended-release and oral disintegrating tablet. MedlinePlus says that the oral distengrating and regular tablets are taken three to four times a day, while the extended-release tablet is taken two to four times a day.
Biperiden
Biperiden is used to treat the tremors, stiffness and stiffness in Parkinson's disease sufferers, says Drugs.com.
Biperiden's side effects include drowsiness, a dry mouth, nervousness, stomach problems and blurry vision. It can also increase the risk for seizures, hallucinations, confusion, loss of consciousness, eye pain and agitation, says Drugs.com.
Biperiden is a tablet that should be taken exactly as indicated.
Bromocriptine
MedlinePlus says that bromocriptine is a dopamine receptor agonist that works to activate certain nerves that control body movement. Bromocriptine is also used to treat hyperprolactinemia (high levels of the female hormone prolactin), acromegaly (high levels of growth hormone) and type 2 diabetes.
Bromocriptine's side effects include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramping, vomiting and drowsiness. This medication can also cause depression, a headache, fainting, chest pain and hallucinations, says MedlinePlus.
Bromocriptine is a capsule or tablet typically taken two times a day with food.
