 |
 |
Emma, Welcome to the list. Effexor is an antidepressant which does not increase dopamine and is not used in the treatment of PD at all to my knowledge. It can and is used for depression which often accompanies PD. Usually patients start with an agonist either pramipexole or Requip (Ropinerole) (or others) but at times may start with levodopa. Levodopa is a precursor (Building block) of dopamine Agonists are drugs that act in a similar way to dopamine. I hope this answers your questions. Charlie Emma Hughes wrote: > i was wondering if anyone could tell me which drug is most comonly > taken in the early stages of PD. My mothers friend takes 'EFEXOR - > XR' (VENLAFAXIN). However, I have been reading that 'LEVODOPA' is > common. Can anyone tell me the difference betweeen these two? Maybe > a little about LEVODOPA? is the drug she is taking an anticholinergic > drug? Help me please????? ThankyouKind RegardsEmma -- ****************************************************************************************** Charles T. Meyer, M.D. Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin [log in to unmask] ******************************************************************************************