Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding Your Medications
Medications are key to treating Parkinson’s. You may be prescribed one or more medications. Be sure you know the names of your medications and when and how to take them. Ask your healthcare provider what side effects you might expect. Also ask if you should avoid eating certain foods or drinking alcohol.
Types of Medications* | Examples | How They Help |
|---|
Levodopa combined with carbidopa | Sinemet, Sinemet CR | Levodopa replaces missing dopamine. Carbidopa helps levodopa enter the brain with fewer side effects. |
Dopamine agonists | Mirapex, Parlodel, Requip, Apokyn | Imitate the way dopamine works in the brain. |
MAO-B inhibitors | Eldepryl | Help dopamine work longer. |
COMT inhibitors | Comtan, Stalevo (combines Comtan and Sinemet) | Taken with levodopa. Help dopamine enter the brain and work longer. |
NMDA antagonists | Symmetrel | Reduce involuntary movements and tremors. |
Anticholinergics | Trihexyphenidyl, Cogentin | Reduce tremor and rigidity. |
*This chart is not a complete list of Parkinson’s medications. It does not imply endorsement of any type or brand. It does not include all side effects or adverse reactions. It does not include all interactions or precautions for these drugs. Only a doctor can recommend or prescribe these medications.