Description

Although there are general guidelines that doctors use to choose a treatment regimen, each person with Parkinson’s disease (PD) must be individually evaluated to determine which drug or combination of medications is best for them. For some, a “first choice” drug might be a form of levodopa, and for others, an initial prescription may be given for one of the dopamine agonists, an MAO inhibitor, or an anticholinergic.

The choice of medication depends on many variables including your symptoms, other existing health issues (and the medications being used to treat them) and age. Dosages vary greatly depending on a person’s needs and metabolism.

Since most Parkinson’s symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, many Parkinson’s drugs are aimed at either temporarily replenishing dopamine or mimicking the action of dopamine. These types of drugs are called dopaminergic medications. They generally help reduce muscle rigidity, improve speed and coordination of movement, and lessen tremor.

Always remember that medication is only part of the overall treatment plan for combatting PD. Talk to your doctor about available medications, but don’t forget exercise and complementary therapies.