Tag: Motor fluctuations

Approved by the FDA in 2019, istradefylline (brand name Nourianz) is the first-in-class, non-dopaminergic medication used as an adjunctive treatment for adult patients with Parkinson's disease who experience 'off' episodes. It works alongside levodopa/carbidopa to manage the motor fluctuations associated with the disease.

Originally developed as an antiviral medication for influenza, amantadine was later discovered to possess antiparkinsonian properties. Knowing when to use amantadine in Parkinson's disease is crucial for managing specific symptoms, most notably involuntary movements caused by other treatments, though its role has evolved over time.

Carbidopa-levodopa is the most potent medication for treating Parkinson's disease (PD), a condition that has more than doubled in global prevalence between 1990 and 2016 [1.3.5, 1.5.2]. While highly effective, it's crucial to understand the answer to the question: what is the most common side effect of carbidopa-levodopa?

Over 81% of patients with Parkinson's disease are treated with anti-Parkinson drugs, with levodopa being the most common [1.8.2]. Learning how to reduce side effects of carbidopa-levodopa is key to improving quality of life and treatment efficacy.

In August 2024, the FDA approved Crexont® (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules, marking a significant advancement in Parkinson's disease treatment. This innovation directly addresses motor fluctuations in patients, offering a longer-lasting effect than many existing oral formulations. Here we answer **what is the new drug for carbidopa-levodopa** and explore how this novel therapy is impacting care.

Approximately 80% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients treated with levodopa develop levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in the advanced stages of the disease [1.2.5, 1.3.7]. The central question for many is, **what Parkinson's drug causes dyskinesia**, and the primary answer is levodopa, the gold standard for treating PD symptoms [1.2.1, 1.2.5].

Approximately 80% of Parkinson's patients on long-term levodopa therapy may develop involuntary, erratic movements known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Understanding **what is the first line treatment for levodopa-induced dyskinesia?** is crucial for managing this common complication and improving quality of life for those with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Globally, the number of people with Parkinson's disease is projected to reach 25.2 million by 2050 [1.7.3]. For many, managing symptoms involves complex medication regimens. A common question is: **can ropinirole and levodopa be taken together?** This combination is frequently used in clinical practice.

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia, or involuntary movements, affects about 30% of Parkinson's disease patients after 4-6 years of treatment [1.11.4]. For many, the question is: **Is amantadine good for Parkinson's** complications like this? This medication offers a unique approach to managing these challenging symptoms.

Amantadine was initially discovered as an antiviral medication in the 1960s before its therapeutic potential for Parkinson's disease was realized. This serendipitous discovery has led to its common use as an add-on therapy, so yes, you can take amantadine with carbidopa-levodopa to help manage specific motor symptoms and complications.