Antiparkinsonian agent

Antiparkinsonian agents are a group of pharmaceutical drugs used primarily to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These symptoms include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The agents work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain or by mimicking the action of dopamine.

Mechanism of Action

The primary mechanism of action of antiparkinsonian agents is to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain or to mimic the action of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating movement and emotion. In Parkinson's disease, the cells that produce dopamine in the brain die off, leading to a decrease in dopamine levels. This decrease in dopamine is what causes the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Antiparkinsonian agents can increase dopamine levels in the brain in several ways. Some agents, such as levodopa, are converted into dopamine in the brain. Others, such as dopamine agonists, mimic the action of dopamine by binding to dopamine receptors in the brain.

Types of Antiparkinsonian Agents

There are several types of antiparkinsonian agents, including:

• Levodopa: This is the most commonly used antiparkinsonian agent. It is converted into dopamine in the brain.

• Dopamine Agonists: These drugs mimic the action of dopamine by binding to dopamine receptors in the brain.

• MAO-B Inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), which breaks down dopamine in the brain.

• COMT Inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which breaks down levodopa in the body.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, antiparkinsonian agents can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and hallucinations. In some cases, these drugs can also cause a condition called dyskinesia, which is characterized by involuntary movements.

See Also

• Parkinson's disease
• Dopamine
• Levodopa
• Dopamine agonists
• MAO-B inhibitors
• COMT inhibitors