Drug therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and loss of postural reflexes. Although the agents available for symptomatic treatment now allow most parkinsonian patients to live a normal life-span, these patients become progressively unable to participate in social functions, perform activities of daily living, and work. Therapy for PD may be associated with many complications that contribute to these disabilities. For this reason, education is helpful for the patient newly diagnosed with PD. Over the past 6 years, three new medications (selegiline, pergolide, and controlled-release levodopa) have been approved for use in Parkinson's disease. Other agents now available for the treatment of psychiatric illness may also be helpful in selected cases of PD. With this in mind, we review the commonly prescribed drugs and outline a rational plan for treatment of parkinsonism.