Parkinson’s disease medications increase or retain dopamine

Drugs for Parkinson’s disease are said to increase dopamine levels in the brain or slow the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, thereby relieving tremors and other symptoms.

Dopamine is a chemical that is involved in movement, and its depletion in the brain is central to Parkinson’s disease. By the time someone develops symptoms, it is estimated that dopamine levels in the basal ganglia are already down by an estimated 50 to 75%.

Walking, moving, and trembling can all be better treated with Parkinson’s medication.

Levodopa, which the brain naturally converts to dopamine, is the gold standard for treatment, according to Justin T. Phillips, MD, medical director of movement disorders at the Norton Neuroscience Institute’s Cressman Parkinson & Movement Disorders Center.

Common misconceptions about levodopa cause some patients to wait to take it. Some patients fear that they may develop a tolerance for the drug and it will no longer work, it will only work for a limited time, or the disease will progress faster.

“All of these are myths,” said Dr. Phillips. “Not only is levodopa the most effective drug, it also tends to have fewer side effects, especially in the long term.”

According to Dr. Phillips should be started on levodopa as soon as troubling symptoms appear. It will reduce disability in the long run, although it will require adjustments over time.

While Parkinson’s medication can fight symptoms, there aren’t any that slow or stop the disease’s progression.

According to Dr. Phillips, exercise is the only known therapy that can modify the disease on its own.

Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least three days per week has been shown to be helpful in Parkinson’s patients. According to Dr. Phillips studies have shown that yoga, dance, tai chi, boxing, and music therapy all have benefits, as do occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy.

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Parkinson’s medication

In addition to levodopa, other drugs that can be used alone to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:

• Dopamine agonists. These seem to be similar enough to dopamine to activate the brain’s dopamine receptors. Dopamine agonists won’t be as effective as levodopa on symptoms, but they last longer and can help smooth out the occasional effects of levodopa.
• Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO B) Inhibitors. These drugs help the brain store dopamine. Monoamine oxidase B is an enzyme that helps break down dopamine in the brain. Blocking the enzyme helps hold dopamine in the brain.
• This drug acts on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain and appears to help release dopamine.

As the disease progresses, these Parkinson’s medications may need to be used in various combinations as motor fluctuations develop into a recurring pattern of Parkinson’s symptoms.

source https://www.bisayanews.com/2021/09/17/parkinsons-disease-medications-increase-or-retain-dopamine/