Common Side Effects Of Parkinson Medications

Side Effects Of Medication

What are the most common side effects of Parkinson’s disease medications?

All prescribed medication can have potential side effects, including those used to treat Parkinsons.

Many people find their Parkinsons medication works very well when they start taking it, but this may change over time and side effects can develop.

Some things you think are symptoms of Parkinsons may actually be side effects of medication.

Some peoples side effects will have a big impact on their lives and have to be kept under control along with the symptoms.

Sinemet For Parkinsons Disease

Sinemet is approved to treat Parkinsons disease in adults. This disease affects your movements and nervous system. Symptoms of PD tend to slowly get worse over time, and they may include:

problems with balance

The exact cause of PD isnt known, but it may be related to:

your environment, such as where you live
any chemicals youve been exposed to

Although the cause may not be known, the changes in the brain that PD causes are very similar among people with the condition. Usually, neurons make a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine helps control your movements and send chemical messages in your body.

But with PD, the brain cells that usually produce dopamine begin to die or stop working. This causes low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can cause symptoms of PD to occur. And as the amount of dopamine in the brain decreases, PD symptoms tend to gradually get worse.

Sinemet works to reduce PD symptoms by increasing the amount of dopamine in your brain. To learn more about how Sinemet does this, see the How Sinemet works section below.

Effectiveness for Parkinsons disease

There havent been any clinical studies on Sinemets effectiveness in treating PD. However, 2021 guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology state that drugs containing levodopa are the most effective drugs for treating PD.

Full List Of Medications Approved For The Treatment Of Parkinsons Disease In The Usa

Below is a full list of Parkinsons medications that have been approved to treat Parkinsons in the United States. This material is intended to provide you with information. It should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather as a source for discussion with the patients own physician. Work with your physician to determine which medications are best for you, and know the risks and benefits of each.

Generic Name

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Side Effects And Problems With Dopamine Agonists

Common side effects of dopamine agonists include:

Nausea and vomiting
Hallucinations or delusions and confusion
Existing dyskinesias becoming more troublesome initially

If you are taking Cabergoline , Pergolide or Bromocriptine your neurologist or GP will have to arrange a chest CT scan or ultrasound of your heart yearly as over time these medications may affect heart or lung tissue.

This precaution does not apply to the other dopamine agonists available in Australia.

Editorial Sources And Fact

Parkinsons Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. December 8, 2020.
Pringsheim T, Day GS, Smith DB, et al. Dopaminergic Therapy for Motor Symptoms in Early Parkinson Disease Practice Guideline Summary: A Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee. Neurology. November 15, 2021.
Levodopa and Carbidopa. MedlinePlus. June 15, 2018.

Moral Competence And Personality

These are the issues with the most confounding ethical impact. While hypomania subsides and depression may respond to treatment, rarely measurements are taken to exclude less obvious changes in behavior and personality. Fundamental changes in personality have been relatively seldom been studied although basic research documents the role of the STN in decision making . Relatives however report reckless and risk seeking behavior that lasts well beyond the postoperative phase. Again, these types of behavioral change may occur gradually in the natural course of the disease or as side effect of drugsbut the sudden and seemingly irreversible alteration of personally after DBS comes as a shock for families. Probably the most profound, albeit at first sight easily overlooked effects are changes in moral competences of the patients. Such changes may result in taking risks for oneself and ignoring the rights of others, exemplified by car accidents or marital conflicts . Seminars for management of such conflicts after DBS are therefore already offered with patients and spouses reporting their experiences.

Important Information About All Medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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The 8 Hidden Causes Your Doctor Will Not Tell You About Your Parkinsons Condition

The word Parkinsons can send a shiver down anyones spine with the impending fear of total neuro-degeneration and future disability, both mentally and physically.

The real question is.do you even have Parkinsons disease? Have you been told its Parkinsonian syndrome, multiple systems atrophy, essential tremor, or cerebellar ataxia? Or some other neurological problem? Either way, you need to find answers as to why your brain is deteriorating and degenerating so you can have a plan to stop this from worsening and possibly reverse some of these symptoms.

Many Parkinsons patients are diagnosed very late, when in fact early soft signs were apparent 10 to 30 years prior to the diagnosis.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, the renowned Neuro-Surgeon, states that the drug mainstay treatment that most patients will receive will almost guarantee they will get worse in 2-5 years, and it even appears to speed the deterioration! Get worse and speed the deterioration doesnot sound like great odds.

In our office we have identified 8 hidden root functional causes of trans-neuronal degeneration/brain degeneration that must be accurately measured to get a proper root functional cause diagnosis. Once we have an accurate root functional cause diagnosis, we can then design a custom treatment plan aimed at getting you lasting resultsto prevent further decline and restore function for many patients that qualify.

Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Are there any side-effects with Parkinsons disease medications? (Karen Blindauer, MD)

The combination of levodopa and carbidopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinsons disease and Parkinsons-like symptoms that may develop after encephalitis or injury to the nervous system caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese poisoning. Parkinsons symptoms, including tremors , stiffness, and slowness of movement, are caused by a lack of dopamine, a natural substance usually found in the brain. Levodopa is in a class of medications called central nervous system agents. It works by being converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa is in a class of medications called decarboxylase inhibitors. It works by preventing levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain. This allows for a lower dose of levodopa, which causes less nausea and vomiting.

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Take Your Parkinsons Medications As Prescribed

Take your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor in the right dose, and at the right time of day, and in the right way. Youll be given instructions when youre first prescribed a drug. Some medications are meant to be taken on an empty stomach, while others should be taken with food.

Parkinsons patients who have trouble remembering when and in what dose to take their drugs can:

Set a medication alarm on a smart phone, for instance. There are even special apps to remind you when to take your meds.
Have their pills organized into a special medication box so they dont have to think about what to take each time.
Many pharmacies are able to put together compliance medicine packages that organize your drugs in a way that makes it easier to take them at the right time.
When you take your meds, mark it off on a calendar.
If necessary, a partner or carer can help you remember to take your drugs.

Placement Of The Neurostimulator

This procedure takes place under general anesthesia so that the person is asleep. The surgical team inserts the neurostimulator under the outer layers of skin, usually just under the collarbone, but sometimes in the chest or abdomen. The extension wire from the lead is attached to the neurostimulator.

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Common Side Effects Of Dopaminergic Medications

As with any medication, dopaminergic medications come with side effects. Common side effects include:

Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Low blood pressure

While levodopa is an effective drug in treating Parkinsons disease, long-term use can cause a condition known as dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is a side effect of treatment that causes involuntary movements such as swaying, twisting, jerking, or writhing. Amantadine drugs, sold under the brand names Gocovri and Symmetrel, can be combined with Rytary or Sinemet to treat dyskinesia while still managing Parkinsons disease.

Constipation And Digestive Issues

As Parkinsons disease progresses, your digestive tract will slow down and function less efficiently. This lack of movement may lead to increased bowel irritability and constipation.

In addition, certain medications often prescribed for Parkinsons disease, such as anticholinergics, can cause constipation. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is a good first step remedy.

Fresh produce and whole grains also contain a great deal of fiber, which can help prevent constipation. Fiber supplements and powders are also an option for those with Parkinsons.

Be sure to ask your doctor how to gradually add fiber powder to your diet. This will ensure you dont have too much too quickly and make constipation worse.

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The Bottom Line On On/off Periods With Parkinsons Meds

Managing the cycling between on and off periods with Parkinsons medications can be incredibly frustrating, but luckily, there are a number of effective ways to help reduce the peaks and valleys of motor symptoms.

Scientists are still exploring new and improved ways to help combat off periods with Parkinsons drugs, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research. You may even consider participating in one of these clinical trials, which you can learn more about with the Michael J. Fox Foundations clinical trial matching tool.

Even more exciting is the fact that researchers are also working diligently to try to improve Parkinsons treatments in generalreally looking into the crux of the disease to try to slow its progression overall, which would in turn help with this on-off period struggle, says Dr. Hui.

There are a number of clinical trials going on, so I think we should also stay tuned for development of to slow progression of disease, she says.

Increased Falls And Loss Of Balance

Parkinsons disease can alter your sense of balance and make simple tasks like walking seem more dangerous. When youre walking, be sure to move slowly so your body can rebalance itself. Here are some other tips to avoid losing your balance:

Dont try to turn around by pivoting on your foot. Instead, turn yourself around by walking in a U-turn pattern.
Avoid carrying things while walking. Your hands help your body balance.
Prepare your home and remove any fall hazards by arranging furniture with wide spaces between each piece. The wide spaces will give you ample room to walk. Position furniture and lighting so that no extension cords are needed and install handrails in hallways, entryways, stairwells, and along walls.

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Buspirone Explained: Usage Dosage And Side Effects

Buspirone is a prescription medication to treat anxiety disorders and to provide relief from symptoms . It belongs to a class of medications called anxiolytics, or anti-anxiety drugs, which also includes benzodiazepines, the anticonvulsant pregabalin, and the antihistamine hydroxyzine . It’s not clear exactly how buspirone works, but according to the National Institutes of Health , some researchers believe its effectiveness is due to its ability to regulate serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood . Abnormalities in the levels of serotonin in the brain are thought to contribute to the development of anxiety disorders . Buspirone is the name of the generic medication. It is also available under the brand names BuSpar, Buspirex, Bustab, and LinBuspirone . This medication requires a prescription from a medical professional and active monitoring due to the potential for toxicity and negative interactions with other prescription medications.

Drug Forms And Administration

Parkinson’s Disease Medications: Managing Side Effects

Sinemet comes as tablets. Rytary comes as capsules. Both drugs are taken by mouth.

Sinemet and Rytary are typically taken three to four times per day, or more often. How often you take either medication depends on your condition.

Sinemet is also available as the generic medication carbidopa/levodopa. Generic medications contain exact copies of the active drugs found in brand-name medications. For more information about generic carbidopa/levodopa, see the Sinemet generic section above.

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Impulsive And Compulsive Behavior

Some people taking dopamine agonists may experience problems with impulsive or compulsive behaviours. For example an increased desire to gamble or engage in sexual activity. These behaviours often develop slowly so may not seem to be a problem immediately. It is important for both the person living with Parkinsons and their family to be aware of this side effect. If affected by this side effect, a reduction in dose or stopping the medication will stop the behaviour.

Drug And Medication Therapies

The purpose of treating Parkinsons is to reduce the effect of symptoms on your daily life. Without treatment, you will eventually find that the symptoms make it hard to perform daily activities. Symptoms, such as shaking and stiffness, may cause discomfort the risk of injury from falls may increase, and swallowing may become more difficult. People are encouraged to maintain open and ongoing discussions with their Parkinsons healthcare team when exploring treatment options.

Medication will help you function, but may cause side effects. It is important to find the right balance between the medications benefits and side effects. Everyone with Parkinsons is unique and will experience different symptoms, which means the treatment you receive will be geared to your specific needs. Drugs for Parkinsons work on the brains complex chemistry and may need to be taken several times a day. Use them as prescribed and do not alter your doses without consulting your doctor. Current treatment neither cures Parkinsons nor stops it from advancing.

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Alcohol Can Reduce The Effectiveness Of Sudafed

Alcohol consumption may decrease how effective Sudafed is for treating nasal congestion.

This is because alcohol consumption can contribute to nasal congestion.

One 2022 study concluded that acute alcohol consumption could reduce how open a persons nose is. These results were the same for both heavy and non-heavy alcohol consumption.

This means a persons nasal congestion symptoms may take longer to improve if a person continues to drink alcohol while taking Sudafed.

Sudafed is generally safe for most people. Below are some people who may wish to use caution when taking Sudafed.

Dopaminergic Medications And Their Side Effects

Side Effects Of Parkinson Disease Medicine

The most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat Parkinsons disease are dopaminergic medications. These drugs work by influencing levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. These drugs often work because Parkinsons disease symptoms are caused by low levels of dopamine in the brain.

Dopaminergic medications include:

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How Do I Prevent Falls From Common Hazards

Floors: Remove all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its usual place.
Bathroom: Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower. Use non-skid bath mats on the floor or install wall-to-wall carpeting.
Lighting: Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well-lit. Install a night light in your bathroom or hallway and staircase. Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night. Make sure lamps or light switches are within reach of the bed if you have to get up during the night.
Kitchen: Install non-skid rubber mats near the sink and stove. Clean spills immediately.
Stairs: Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure. Install a rail on both sides of the stairs. If stairs are a threat, it might be helpful to arrange most of your activities on the lower level to reduce the number of times you must climb the stairs.
Entrances and doorways: Install metal handles on the walls adjacent to the doorknobs of all doors to make it more secure as you travel through the doorway.

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What Is Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease is a progressive disease. It starts slowly, often with a minor tremor. But over time, it can affect everything from speech to gait to cognitive abilities.

While treatments are becoming more advanced, theres still no cure for Parkinsons disease. An important part of a successful Parkinsons treatment plan is recognizing and managing secondary symptoms those that affect day-to-day life.

Here are a few of the more common secondary symptoms and what you can do to help manage them.