Parkinson's Medications
Please consult your physician for all medication questions ! !
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Parkinson’s Medications Guide - In the same way Parkinson’s disease (PD) is unique from person to person, so is the combination of medications and dosages used to treat motor and non-motor symptoms. Learn all about the different types of PD medications and what’s in development in our new book. https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/attachments/Medications-Treatment-Guide-to-Parkinsons-Disease.pdf
Consult the Pharmacist to Simplify Medication Management Many older adults take several prescription drugs each day, resulting in complicated medication regimens. Learn how pharmacists can make medication management easier for seniors and their caregivers.
PD and Medication: What’s New?
It’s an exciting time for Parkinson’s disease (PD) drug advances. Learn about the medications that are new or soon appearing on the market and if they may be an option for you. https://parkinson.org/blog/tips/pd-and-medication-whats-new
Parkinson’s Medications – Michael J Fox Foundation
https://www.michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-with-pd/topic.php?medication
Parkinson’s Disease Medications - National Parkinson’s Foundation (Very detailed, 72 pages long!)
http://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/Medications_1.pdf
Medications To Be Avoided Or Used With Caution In Parkinson’s Disease - APDA
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf_publications/APDA-Meds-to-Avoid-SsQ.pdf
Complementary Meds for Parkinson’s – Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/treatment/complementary-treatment
CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA: ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Loss of neurons in the brain that use dopamine to communicate is one of the hallmark features of Parkinson’s disease (PD), causing slowness, stiffness, tremor and balance problems. Replacing the brain’s dopamine is therefore one of the key treatment strategies to help improve the motor symptoms of PD. Dopamine itself does not cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore can’t be used to treat PD. Instead levodopa, a precursor of dopamine, which does cross the blood-brain barrier is used. If levodopa is ingested by itself however, it breaks down in the bloodstream before it crosses into the brain, so levodopa is typically ingested with another medication that stops it from breaking down. In the US, the combination of carbidopa/levodopa is used. When levodopa is taken with carbidopa, much lower doses of levodopa can be consumed and side effects such as nausea are minimized. Carbidopa/levodopa is the mainstay of treatment for PD and is the most effective medication available for PD…our “Gold Standard” PD Medication! Read more here: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/common-questions-about-carbidopa-levodopa/
There are so many different versions of carbidopa/levodopa…what are the differences? - There are indeed many formulations of carbidopa/levodopa available. This is very beneficial because it gives doctors many treatment options as they try to find the best formulation for each particular patient. Below are the brand names of the different carbidopa/levodopa options available:
Sinemet – the original formulation
Sinemet CR – a formulation designed to be controlled release (CR) and last longer than a dose of Sinemet
Stalevo – a combination medication of carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone, designed to last longer than carbidopa/levodopa alone
Rytary – a formulation designed to be released more slowly from the stomach than regular Sinemet
Duopa – a gel that is continuously pumped into the small intestine during waking hours
Parcopa – a formulation that dissolves in the mouth. Although it is absorbed in the gut, the fact that it does not have to be broken down in the stomach means that onset of action of the medication is somewhat quicker than regular Sinemet
Inbrija – a newly-approved inhalation formulation (containing only levodopa) designed for quicker onset of action, to be used as a rescue dose if a scheduled dose is not effective enough
Read more here: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/common-questions-about-carbidopa-levodopa/
KYNMOBI™ - Apomorphine sublingual film is a fast-acting medication for treatment of unpredictable, short-term (acute), intermittent “off” episodes. www.kynmobi.com
Please consult your physician for all medication questions!!
