Medication

Medication

• Dopamine: To make up for the lacking dopamine, a pre-stage of the dopamine (Levo-Dopa, L-Dopa) is injected into the bloodstream. To prevent the decomposing of the L-Dopa in the blood on the way to the brain, an inhibitor (Decarboxylase-Inhibitor) is usually paired off with the L-Dopa. (L-Dopa; Benserazide, Carbidopa).

• Dopamine-Protection: The rapid degrading of the dopamine in the brain stem is inhibited with a MAO-B-Inhibitor. This inhibitor also conserves the nerve cells of the brain stem. (Segeline, Rasagiline).

• Dopamine-Increase: In order to increase the effect of the dopamine, the messenger glutamate -counterpart of dopamine-can be curbed down with the help of Glutamate-antagonists, NMDA-antagonists). The side-effects of this medication can be a high water content in the legs as well insomnia. (Amantadine, Budipine)
• Dopamine-Substitutes: Dopamine-Substitutes replace the missing dopamine and conserve the nerve cells of the Substantia Nigra. A relieve of the symptoms is achieved and the diseases process is slowed down. Side-effects are dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, low blood-pressure, movement disorder, hallucination, and increasing libido. In the case of ergot-derived drugs, side-effects may be: edema of the leg, disturbed blood flow in hands and feet, mutation of the connective tissue in lungs and cardiac valves. Regular heart check-ups are required. (Ergot-derived-drugs: Lisuride, Bromocriptine, Apomorphine, alpha-Dihydroergocryptine, Pergolide, Cabergoline) (Others: Ropinirole, Rotigotine and Pramipexole)

Tremors: Drugs against tremors (anticholinergic or pre-stages of Norepinephrine: Droxidopa (L-threo DOPS, L-DOPS)) usually work by influencing the transmitters of muscles and inner organs. As they tend to decrease the effect of L-Dopa, besides causing concentration difficulties, amentia and constipation, they are only rarely prescribed.