Parkinson's Disease Treatments

Treatment

Currently, there are no treatments to cure PD. There are also no proven treatments to slow or stop its progression. Some medications are used to improve symptoms. Over time the side effects may become troublesome. The medications may lose their effectiveness.

Medications

Medications include:

Levodopa/carbidopa ( Sinemet )
Amantadine (Symmetrel)
Anticholinergics: benztropine (Cogentin) and biperiden (Akineton)
Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors: Selegiline (Eldepryl), Rasagaline(Azilect)
Dopamine agonists: bromocriptine (Parlodel), pergolide (Permax), pramipexole (Mirapex), cabergoline (Dostinex), Rotigotine (Neupro), and ropinirole (Requip)
- Pergolide (Permax) was withdrawn in March 2007. It had a high risk of serious heart valve damage. Cabergoline (Dostinex) has also been linked to this risk.
Apomorphine (Apokyn)
COMT inhibitors: entacapone (Comtan) and tolcapone (Tasmar)

Depression or hallucinations may also occur with PD. Medicine may be given to relieve these. The drugs may include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Antipsychotic clozapine

These drugs can worsen other symptoms. You will need to be closely followed.

Surgery

Different brain operations are available, and many more are being researched including:

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)—implanting a device to stimulate certain parts of the brain; can decrease tremor and rigidity
Thalamotomy and pallidotomy—destroying certain areas of the brain to improve tremor when medication does not work (not as common as deep brain stimulation)
Nerve-cell transplants (research only)—to increase amount of dopamine made in the brain

Physical Therapy

Therapy can improve muscle tone, strength, and balance. It will include exercises and stretches.

Psychological Support

Join a support group with other people with PD. It will help to learn how others are learning to live with the challenges of PD.

If you are diagnosed with PD, follow your doctor's instructions .

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 © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.