Dopamine agonists
Dopamine agonists are drugs that act on the same receptors in the brain as dopamine. So, in effect, they act like a substitute for dopamine. Unlike levodopa, they do not need to be converted in the body to become active. There are several types (apomorphine, bromocriptine, cabergoline, lisuride, pergolide, pramipexole, and ropinirole) each with different brand names.
Possible side-effects when one is first started are similar to levodopa (nausea, etc). However, the side-effects tend to ease off over several days or weeks. Again, if nausea is a problem, then it can usually be eased by an anti-sickness drug called domperidone.
Dopamine agonists are not as good as levodopa at easing symptoms in some people. Until recently they had mainly been used as a 'top-up' treatment when the condition progressed and symptoms had not been well controlled with levodopa alone. However, dopamine agonists have been used more often in recent years as 'first-line' treatments. This is because in the longer term, people on dopamine agonists are less likely to develop muscle problems (dyskinesias) than with levodopa. Most people will require levodopa eventually. However, if you take a dopamine agonist at first, it may delay the need for levodopa for months or years.
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peter middleton, over 2 years
Hello I am quite surprised that no mention of Cmpulsive Behaviour was used in your somewhat vague and uninformative desciption of the side effects from dopamine agonists. Are you, as an organisation supported or sponsored by drug companies? If you aren't , then may I suggest that you reacess your public information service to include appropriate details on that condition. If you are supported by drug firms, then i am writing this for nothing! Thank you peter
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