What drugs are used to treat Parkinsons disease and how do they work?
While none is without side effects, available drugs can greatly enhance the life of a Parkinson’s patient, sometimes restoring function to nearly normal for some period of time. Over time, as the disease progresses, drug dosing is adjusted to best meet a patient’s symptomatic needs. Every person living with Parkinson’s disease experiences a different range of symptoms. For this reason, not all treatments are of equal value to all patients. It’s essential to work closely with your doctor and all medical caregivers involved with your treatment regimen to develop the approach that’s right for you. Decisions about which treatments to use, how long they can be expected to remain beneficial, and when to begin are highly individualized in PD. The table below offers an overview of some of the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat Parkinson’s.