Medicines for Parkinson's Disease

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a long-term brain condition in which the nerve cells that make dopamine slowly stop working. It usually starts after 60.

The main symptoms are shaking (tremor), stiffness and slow movement, along with small handwriting, a soft voice, poor balance, constipation and sleep problems.

Medicines used for Parkinson's Disease

Levodopa with carbidopa replaces dopamine and is the most effective treatment. Pramipexole and ropinirole act like dopamine, rasagiline helps dopamine last longer and amantadine can reduce unwanted movements. Trihexyphenidyl is used for tremor and for movement problems caused by some medicines. Doses are timed carefully through the day.

When to see a doctor

See a neurologist if you notice tremor or slowness. Do not stop Parkinson's medicines suddenly. Seek help for falls, hallucinations, confusion or difficulty swallowing.

This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.