 |
 |
Pergolide is a direct acting dopamine agonist. This kind of drug stimulates the dopamine receptors without having to be converted to dopamine It is most often used as an added second drug in people already taking levodopa/carbidopa preparations. However, it is a good antiparkinsonian drug which can be used alone when appropriate. One example is when PWP are unable to tolerate levodopa, then Pergolide (Permax) can be used alone instead. The same is true for all of the direct dopamine agonists (ropinorole [Requip] and pramipexole [Mirapex]). Recent investigations have suggested that the beneficial effects of these drugs used as single agents can be comparable to levodopa, although the levodopa preparations remain the gold standard. Some neurologists advocate the use of these drugs early in the disease instead of levodopa/carbidopa out of fear that some of the problems that arise with levodopa later (motor fluctuations and dyskinesias) are the result of the early use of levodopa. This fear has been very effectively fanned by the drug companies which distribute these drugs - without much scientific basis other than speculation. Thus - yes - pergolide can be used alone, and it can be very helpful. The titration is slower. It is a very good drug when used correctly. Jorge Romero, MD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carol Ann Schepperley" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2000 6:25 PM Subject: Re: Pergolide without Levodopa > What exactly does pergolide do? And how does it help without senemet? > > Carol >