Medication Information

Medications are the mainstay of treatment for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The goal of medical management is to maximize function and improve quality of life. The decision by the physician of what medication to use and when to initiate treatment depends on several factors including the age of the patient, their responsibilities (including employment) and how the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affect the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living.

Although there are treatment guidelines for medication management, each patient is different and must be assessed according to their own symptoms and circumstances. There are no medications to stop the progression of the disease. Dopamine cells continue to die and medications need to be changed over the course of the disease.

What medications are available for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
The “gold standard” of medical management is Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa). Most people with Parkinson’s disease will take Sinemet at some time during the course of the disease. However, your physician may prescribe other medications.

Dopamine agonists (Mirapex and Requip) mimic the effect of dopamine by stimulating receptors in the brain. They may be used alone early in the disease or with other medications later in the disease process. COMT inhibitors such as Comtan make Sinemet last longer.

Azelect is a once-a-day medication and is being studied for its potential to slow the disease progression. It can be taken alone early in the disease or in combination as the disease progresses. Eldepryl is another medication that helps Sinemet to last longer.

Finding the correct medications to treat your symptoms is a shared responsibility of you and your physician. The more you understand how each medication works, the better able you will be to discuss your medication therapy with your doctor.

Information provided by Edward F. Steinmetz, MD, FAAN