What is Parkinson’sTreatments for Parkinson’s Treatments for Parkinson’s Drug and Medication Therapies The purpose of treating Parkinson’s is to reduce the effect of symptoms on your daily life. Without treatment, you will eventually find that the symptoms make it hard to perform daily activities. Symptoms, such as shaking and stiffness, may cause discomfort; the risk of injury from falls may increase, and swallowing may become more difficult. People are encouraged to maintain open and ongoing discussions with their Parkinson’s health care team when exploring treatment options. Medication will help you function, but may cause side effects. It is important to find the right balance between the medication’s benefits and side effects. Everyone with Parkinson’s is unique and will experience different symptoms, which means the treatment you receive will be geared to your specific needs. Drugs for Parkinson’s work on the brain’s complex chemistry and may need to be taken several times a day. Use them as prescribed and do not alter your doses without consulting your doctor. Current treatment neither cures Parkinson’s nor stops it from advancing. Questions about medications When should I start taking medication? If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you may be wondering when you should start treatment and with what medication. There is no single strategy that applies to everyone. The timing will differ from person to person. It depends on a variety of factors, such as: Your age The nature of your symptom(s) Your lifestyle (e.g., if you are working or retired and the kind of leisure activities you enjoy) Your overall physical health Whether you experience balance problems with walking Changes in intellectual abilities, and Your own attitude toward taking medication When to start taking medication can be decided in consultation with your neurologist or movement disorder specialist. The decision to delay taking medication requires close monitoring and evaluation for risks of falls and injuries, especially if you are older. The older you are, the more you are at risk for a fall, and Parkinson’s medication, when used appropriately, may reduce this risk. What about medications for other health conditions? The effectiveness of some Parkinson’s drugs can be reduced when combined with drugs for other health conditions. It is important to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist regarding any new drug prescription. What medications are used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms? Read all about available medications for treating Parkinson’s in the information sheet, Parkinson’s Medications: What You Need to Know. How can I get the most benefit from my Parkinson’s medications? The timing of medications is an important way to control your symptoms. Follow the guidelines provided by your health care professional. Use a timer to remind you to take your medication on time to avoid “double-dosing”. Take each dose with a full glass of water to aid absorption. Do not break, crush or chew controlled-release tablets, unless instructed by your doctor. For nausea, take the drug after meals or with a cracker or fruit. Keep an accurate list of all medications, including over-the-counter products, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. What are the side effects of Parkinson’s drugs? The most common reactions (which occur within the first several days of a new treatment) include nausea, vomiting, dizziness (drop in blood pressure), sleepiness and visual hallucinations. In the last few years, levodopa and dopamine agonists in particular (ropinirole [ReQuip], pramipexole [Mirapex]) have been associated with the emergence of behavioural changes such as impulse control disorders. These are characterized by failure to resist an impulse to perform certain actions. Impulse control disorders include a range of behaviours such as compulsive gambling (up to 5% of treated patients) or shopping, hypersexuality, binge eating, and addiction to the Internet or to other recreational activities. These activities are often pleasant in the moment, but over time may become harmful to you or to others. If you are experiencing these behaviours, tell your neurologist/doctor. Often the medication can be adjusted which can reduce or control the behaviour. Care partners can play an important role in helping to identify when these behaviours occur. If you are a care partner, tell the person if you have noticed a change in his/her behaviour or personality and encourage him/him/her to speak with the doctor immediately so medication can be adjusted. What are non-motor symptoms? People with Parkinson’s often experience non-motor symptoms which can be more bothersome than motor-symptoms. Some examples of non-motor symptoms include constipation, depression or anxiety, sleep disorders and cognitive changes. Adjusting the Parkinson’s medications can often control these symptoms. If this approach doesn’t work, specific treatment may be required. For example, depression is common in Parkinson’s and usually responds well to treatment. Medications to improve cognitive function are also available. Read more about non motor symptoms (link: /what-is-parkinsons/symptoms). The effectiveness of some Parkinson’s drugs can be reduced when combined with drugs for other health conditions. It is important to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist regarding any new drug prescription. How will my Parkinson’s change over time? What are non-motor symptoms? Parkinson’s will change over time. Often the changes are subtle and you may not notice them. This Medication Checklist may help you identify these changes. Complete the checklist every 9 to 12 months. Discuss the changes with your doctor. Read all about available medications for treating Parkinson’s here. People with Parkinson’s often experience non-motor symptoms which can be more bothersome than motor-symptoms. Some examples of non-motor symptoms include constipation, depression or anxiety, sleep disorders and cognitive changes. Adjusting the Parkinson’s medications can often control these symptoms. If this approach doesn’t work, specific treatment may be required. For example, depression is common in Parkinson’s and usually responds well to treatment. Medications to improve cognitive function are also available. Read more about non motor symptoms (link: /what-is-parkinsons/symptoms). The effectiveness of some Parkinson’s drugs can be reduced when combined with drugs for other health conditions. It is important to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist regarding any new drug prescription. What questions might I ask about treating Parkinson’s? You might find it helpful to write down any questions you have before your next appointment. This can help your visit be more efficient. Here are a few questions you may wish to ask: What are the benefits of each kind of medication? What are the side effects and how can I manage them? When do I take the medication relative to meal time to get the best result? How soon can I expect the treatment to start working? How will treatment affect my daily activities? How often do I need to follow up with my doctor about my medications? Do drugs lose their effectiveness over time if I start treatment early on? Should I be concerned about behaviours related to taking drugs, such as confusion or compulsive activities (e.g., shopping or gambling)? Are my medications covered by the provincial drug plan? Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me? Can you help me find one? Looking for support? We’re here to help. No matter where you are on your Parkinson’s journey, you’re not alone. Our team is ready to provide guidance, resources, and a listening ear. Whether you have questions, need support, or just want to connect, we’re here to help. You don’t have to face this alone—reach out today. Call us: 1 (888) 664-1974 Email us: support@parkinson.ca