Medication Awareness & Medical Support
There are a variety of medications for Parkinson’s. Discussing with your neurologist what the right medication for you is along with how and when to take it is vital and should be the first step in any self-management process. Your medication needs will evolve over time so it is important that they are monitored and reviewed properly by your neurologist. Once you are confident you are taking the correct medication, the following are important:
Understand your medication. Learning how your medication works is beneficial but more important is understanding what your medication is supposed to do for you. That way, you will be better equipped to notice any changes and/or improvements in your condition.
Read the instructions that come with your medication. In particular note any specific requirements relating to meals, water and the time at which it should be taken. For example:
- Does your medication have to be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
- How much water should you drink when swallowing your tablets or should your medication be taken at specific times during the day?
Tip
Write down the name and dosage of your medication and keep it with you at all times so that you can have it ready when anyone asks you or should you have to go to hospital unexpectedly.
Learning how your medication works is beneficial but more important is understanding what your medication is supposed to do. For example, do you know which medication protects the dopamine you have and which one is used to increase the level of dopamine in your body?
The aim of all Parkinson’s medication is to increase the level of dopamine in the body and while there are many types available, the three most commonly used groups of medication are:
| Dopamine Replacement | Scientific Name: Levodopa Function: These drugs contain a chemical called levodopa that the brain can convert into dopam |
| Dopamine Copycat | Scientific Name: Dopamine Agonists Function: These drugs trick the brain into believing it has more dopamine by “copying” the effects of dopamine |
| Dopamine Protector | Scientific Name:Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) Inhibitors Function: These drugs protect current levels of dopamine by blocking enzymes that break it down thereby rendering it ineffective |
You can find more information on all Parkinson’s medication on the EPDA website
If you choose to make any changes to your lifestyle based on our Five Elements, please seek the advice of your neurologist or a professional in their chosen field first. There is no substitute for professional advice.