HI Betti
The following is taken from "A Symmary of Medications Both Commonly and
Occasionally Used in Treating Parkinson's Disease by Neal Slatkin MD", a
paper that is a reprint of most of the City of Hope Parkinson's Center
Newsletter, "Moving Forward, Summer 1995", that was previously place on the
Parkinson's listserv. I am unsure as to why beta blockers would
"occasionally" limit the effectiveness of levodopa. Hopefully someone else
does!
Brian Symonds <[log in to unmask]>
MEDICATIONS AND OTHER AGENTS OCCASIONALLY USED TO TREAT ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS
OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
BETA BLOCKERS
Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol) and others
Beta blockers are of no direct value in the treatment of PD symptoms and may
occasionally limit levodopa effectiveness. Some patients with PD, however,
have an action or intention tremor brought on by elevation or movement of
their arms and which is different from their usual rest tremor. This tremor
can at times be reduced in severity by the use of beta blockers.
Side Effects of Beta Blockers
* Fatigue, nausea and vivid dreaming
* Occasional reports of increased forgetfulness
* Wheezing, difficulty breathing, fatigue
Contraindications to Beta Blockers
Patients with a history of congestive heart failure, slow heart rate, asthma,
bronchitis or emphysema; and people with diabetes who are taking insulin
usually should not take beta blockers. Patients on this class of medication
should know how to take their own pulse and should contact their physicians
if their pulse rate falls below 50-60 beats per minute.
