Non-neuroleptic catecholaminergic drugs for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia
Abstract Background Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a disabling movement disorder associated with the prolonged use of neuroleptic medication. Several strategies have been examined in the treatment of TD. Currently, however, there is no clear evidence of the effectiveness of these drugs in TD and they have been associated with many side effects. One particular strategy […]
Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors for early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors slow disease progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) but clinical trials have produced conflicting results. Objectives To assess the evidence from randomised controlled trials for the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of MAO-B inhibitors in early PD. Search methods We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register […]
Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors for levodopa-induced complications in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background As Parkinson’s disease progresses the control of motor symptoms often requires the addition of other drugs to levodopa. The principle aim of COMT inhibitor therapy is to increase the duration of effect of each levodopa dose and thus reduce the time patients spend in the relatively immobile ‘off’ phase. Objectives To compare the […]
Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors versus active comparators for levodopa-induced complications in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background As Parkinson’s disease progresses the control of the symptoms often requires the addition of other drugs to levodopa. The principle aim of COMT inhibitor therapy is to increase the duration of effect of the levodopa dose and thus reduce the time patients spend in the relatively immobile ‘off’ phase. Objectives To compare the […]
Botulinum toxin type A versus botulinum toxin type B for cervical dystonia
Abstract Background This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2003. Cervical dystonia is the most common form of focal dystonia and is a disabling disorder characterised by painful involuntary head posturing. There are two available formulations of botulinum toxin, with botulinum toxin type A (BtA) usually considered the first line therapy […]
Amantadine for dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Abnormal involuntary movements known as dyskinesias are amongst the most disabling side-effects of levodopa therapy. It is thought that amantadine, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, may reduce dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson’s disease without worsening Parkinsonian symptoms. Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant amantadine therapy versus placebo in treating dyskinesia in patients […]
Therapies for depression in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disturbances in Parkinson’s disease. 40% of observed variation in quality of life is due to depression. However, there is little hard evidence of the efficacy and safety of antidepressant therapies in Parkinson’s disease. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of antidepressant therapies in idiopathic […]
Amantadine in Parkinson’s Diseas
Abstract Background Although levodopa is the most common drug prescribed to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease it is associated with motor and psychiatric side-effects. Consequently, interest has turned to alternative drugs with improved side-effect profiles to replace or augment levodopa. Amantadine, originally used as an antiviral drug, has been shown to improve the symptoms […]
Beta-blocker therapy for tremor in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background The tremor of Parkinson’s disease can cause considerable disability for the individual concerned. Traditional antiparkinsonian therapies such as levodopa have only a minor effect on tremor. Beta-blockers are used to attenuate other forms of tremor such as Essential Tremor or the tremor associated with anxiety. It is thought that beta-blockers may be of […]
Anticholinergics for symptomatic management of Parkinson´s disease
Abstract Background Anticholinergics were the first drugs available for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson´s disease and they are still widely used today, both as monotherapy and as part of combination regimes. They are commonly believed to be associated with a less favourable side effect profile than other antiparkinsonian drugs, in particular with respect to neuropsychiatric […]