Article Abstract:
The drug ropinirole appears to be as effective as levodopa for treating Parkinson's disease and has fewer side effects. Ropinirole stimulates the dopamine D2 receptor, which is important because Parkinson's disease is partly caused by a dopamine deficiency. Researchers randomly assigned 268 patients with Parkinson's disease to take the traditional treatment, a drug called levodopa, or ropinirole. Only half the patients in both groups completed the five-year study. Ropinirole was as effective in alleviating symptoms as levodopa and only 20% of the patients taking it developed dyskinesia, compared to 45% of those taking levodopa. Dyskinesia is a side effect of some drugs.
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Article Abstract:
The drug clozapine appears to be effective for reducing the side effects of medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. These medications often cause psychotic symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Researchers randomly assigned 60 patients with Parkinson's disease to take clozapine or a placebo for up to 14 months. All of the patients took their regular dose of medication for Parkinson's disease. Those who took clozapine experienced a reduction in psychotic symptoms compared to those who took a placebo. Clozapine also reduced the tremor associated with Parkinson's disease.
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Article Abstract:
A study is undertaken to assess the effect of levodopa on the rate of progression of ParkinsonEs disease. The clinical data suggested that levodopa either slows the progression of Parkinson's disease or has a prolonged effect on the symptoms of the disease.
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