From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia
Antiparkinsonian drugs, commonly referred to as antiparkinsonians, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Parkinsonism. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms. The primary therapeutic strategy for these medications revolves around either augmenting dopamine activity or mitigating acetylcholine activity within the central nervous system (CNS).
The central approach of antiparkinsonian drugs is to restore the balance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the CNS, thus countering the dopaminergic neuron degeneration observed in PD patients.
Dopaminergic Precursors: These compounds are precursors to dopamine and are often preferred due to their ability to bypass undesirable sympathomimetic side effects.
Selective Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors (MAOB Inhibitors): These drugs deter the metabolism of dopamine by MAOB, subsequently increasing dopamine concentrations in the brain.
As with many medications, antiparkinsonian drugs can have side effects. These might include nausea, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, hallucinations, and sleep disturbances. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to understand potential side effects and their management.
Current research in Parkinson's disease is exploring potential disease-modifying therapies that might slow or halt the progression of the disease, rather than just alleviating symptoms. This includes investigation into genetic factors, neuroprotective agents, and advanced drug delivery methods.
