Some Parkinson's Medications Cause Dangerous Compulsive Behaviors
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Causes
Factors that cause the loss may be from the genes, the environment, or some combination of the two. A small amount of people with PD have an early onset form. This type is caused by an inherited gene defect.
Secondary PD has similar symptoms but is caused by several factors such as:
- Antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol (Haldol), fluphenazine (Prolixin), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Cardiovascular drugs such as some calcium channel blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Manganese poisoning
- Hydrocephalus
- Brain tumors
- Stroke
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Intravenous drug abuse of MPTP (a type of neurotoxin)
- Reserpine (medicine to treat schizophrenia and high blood pressure)
- Insecticide exposure
- Trauma
- AIDS
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the chance of PD include:
- Age: 50 or older
- History of polio
- Gender: men (slightly more likely to develop PD)
- Family members with PD
- Nonsmokers
- Exposure to toxins, drugs, or conditions listed above
- High cholesterol
- Melanoma skin cancer
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.