Medical Health Encyclopedia

Budipine and Other Glutamate Blockers. A number of experimental drugs are being investigated for Parkinson's disease because they block the actions of glutamate, an amino acid that is a particularly potent nerve cell killer. Some of these drugs block a receptor group to glutamate called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Investigative NMDA antagonists include remacemide, memantine, riluzole, and budipine. Budipine is of particular interest. It not only blocks NMDA, but it increases levels of two enzymes involved in the production of dopamine. Studies suggest that it reduces tremor in PD and it proving to be beneficial in combination with levodopa.

Testosterone Replacement. One very small and short term study investigated the effects of testosterone replacement on depression and other nonmotor symptoms in PD patients with testosterone deficiencies. (Such deficiencies affect about 20% and 25% of men over 60.) After a month of using a topical testosterone gel, such patients reported improvements in depression, fatigue, and sexual interest. More research is needed to determine if this treatment is actually beneficial and safe in this population. Testosterone replacement is generally not appropriate for men with normal hormonal levels, since it may increase the risk for prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and heart disease.

Cannabinoids. Drugs derived from cannabinoids, the active ingredients in marijuana, may have nerve protecting properties. Adverse effects include anxiety and sedation. Investigators are studying cannabinoid derivatives, including cannabidiol and dronabinol, which do not have psychologic side effects.

Treatments for Disorders Associated with Parkinson's

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Conditions associated with motor impairment and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease may require a variety of treatments. The following is a brief sample of some of them.