According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Parkinson's disease affects an area of the brain that controls normal body movements. The neurotransmitter dopamine controls the activity of the nerve cells in this area. With the onset of Parkinson's disease, the nerve cells begin to die, and this causes the level of dopamine to decrease. Without enough dopamine to control neuronal transmission, the nerve cells send too many nerve signals to the muscles, says the NINDS. The result is the uncontrolled muscle movement of Parkinson's disease. Treatments for this condition include drug therapy and surgery.
Levodopa (Dopar)
According to Drugs.com, levodopa is an oral, prescription medication for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa works by crossing the blood-brain barrier into the brain where an enzyme converts it to the neurotransmitter dopamine. This increases dopamine brain levels thereby addressing the root cause of Parkinson's disease. The initial adult oral dose of levodopa is 0.5 to 1g per day which the patient takes as two to four 250mg doses. A doctor will then gradually increase the dose in 0.75g increments every 3 to 7 days up to a maximum dose of 8g per day. It may take up to 6 months until the patient sees a significant response. Adverse effects include heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, delusions, and anemia.
Pramipexole (Mirapex)
Pramipexole is an oral prescription drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, says the Mayo Clinic. The initial adult oral dose is 0.125mg three times per day. The patient's doctor will gradually increase the dose up to a maximum total of 4.5mg per day if the patient needs it and can tolerate it, says the Mayo Clinic. Treatment may continue for 6 weeks or more. Some people taking pramipexole have fallen asleep while driving a motor vehicle and others have had hallucinations. More common side effects include constipation, dry mouth, headache and heartburn.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people who do not respond well to drug therapy have the option of two deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgical procedures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both procedures for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the first procedure, approved in 1997, a single electrode implanted on one side of the brain helps to quiet excessive nerve cell activity. If something goes wrong with the electrode, a doctor can inactivate it. In the second procedure, approved in 2002, doctors implant an electrode on each side of the brain. In the most recent FDA-approved advancement of DBS surgery, the patient can manipulate the level of electrode stimulation through the use of a remote control device.
