1 week Ago By Satata Karmakar
How do Parkinson's medications restore dopamine in the brain, and what side effects should you watch out for? Read our exclusive article below to know everything about these drugs and their potential drawbacks. Parkinson's disease is a chronic disorder that influences how the brain plans and produces movements. It generally develops gradually, with symptoms such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking or balance.
The symptoms are prone to becoming worse over time. While Parkinson's cannot yet be cured, medication has an important role to play in managing the symptoms and enhancing the overall quality of life of patients. During an exclusive interaction with TheHealthSite.
com , Dr Aniruddha More consultant Neurologist, Jupiter Hospital Thane - describes how these drugs function and what patients should know regarding their side effects. How Parkinson's Medications Work to Restore Dopamine in the Brain The primary aim of treating Parkinson's is to add to or substitute dopamine in the brain . Dopamine is a chemical that aids in smooth, coordinated muscle movement, but in Parkinson's, the brain gradually ceases to make it.
Levodopa is the most frequently used medication that is prescribed. It's a medication that converts into dopamine after it crosses the brain's blood-brain barrier. It makes many patients feel more in charge of their movements and relieves stiffness and slowness.
Levodopa is usually taken in combination with another drug known as Carbidopa, which prevents side effects such as nausea and enhances the effectiveness of the treatment. Most people notice a dramatic difference when they initially start taking it, but over time, the effect tends to wear off faster, or the patients might have sudden changes in the way they feel. There are also medications called dopamine agonists, including pramipexole and ropinirole.
They mimic dopamine in the brain. They are weaker than Levodopa but can be used early or as an adjunct later. Some individuals, particularly young ones, are begun on dopamine agonists to postpone the requirement of Levodopa.
Other types of medicines are MAO-B inhibitors and COMT inhibitors, which slow down the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. They may help prolong the action of Levodopa or sustain dopamine levels in another fashion. Common Side Effects of Parkinson's Drugs You Should Know About Although drugs manage the symptoms, they also may have side effects.
Levodopa can produce involuntary movements called dyskinesias when taken for very long periods. Others have mood swings or very vivid dreams. Dopamine agonists lead to drowsiness, swelling of the legs, or worse yet, strange behaviors such as excessive shopping or gambling.
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Follow-up visits and being candid about how the body is tolerating the treatment are crucial. In addition to medicine, patients are urged to remain active, have a good diet, and maintain a positive attitude. Exercise, especially, can help maintain balance and flexibility.
Though Parkinson's is a difficult disease to live with, the appropriate mix of treatment and care can make a tremendous impact on how one continues to live with it. Living with Parkinson's is a process, and medication is only one aspect of it. With the proper care plan and ongoing medical support, patients can maintain active and fulfilling lives.
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