Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative condition, which knows no cure today. However, there is a number of treatment options to lessen the symptoms and postpone the further development of this health disorder. The most effective means to reduce the signs of Parkinson’s is Levodopa. Still, the rule with this drug goes like this: the later – the better. Long-term use of this medication leads to drug resistance and tolerance; the increase in the dose will inevitably result in the stopping of the drug effectiveness. Consequently, doctors try to reserve L-Dopa for the later stages of the disease, preferring to start anti-Parkinson’s treatment with other available medications.
A class of drugs, known as “dopamine agonists”, is in great favor among the users and clinicians. They show high efficacy in suppressing Parkinson’s symptoms and ensure the delay of Levodopa therapy. Moreover, these two types of medications can be used in combination enhancing the results.
Mirapex is one of the representatives of dopamine agonists. Its active ingredient is pramipexole – a non-ergot-derived agent (it is synthetically created in the laboratory, unlike the ergot-derived older dopamine agonists, which were produced from the fungus). Pramipexole is thought to work in the brain similarly to dopamine: it binds to dopamine receptors and makes them react as if the natural neurotransmitter itself affected them. As the result of Mirapex activity body motor function improves and the reduction in the tremors experienced by Parkinson’s sufferers is observed.
Since Mirapex affects body movement ability, the drug is also used to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS) and is proved to be effective in the lessening of the urge to move the limbs.
The most common side effects of this medication include dizziness, headache, nausea, upset stomach, hallucinations, sleep (suddenly falling asleep) and eating disorders (increased or reduced appetite) and unusual body movements. Many patients report them only at the beginning of the treatment, but they tend to subside with time as the body gets used to the drug. Mirapex is also associated with the development of some mental disorders, as compulsive behaviors or overeating, and with increased libido.
Although the dosage of Mirapex may vary in different patients, the drug is usually prescribed at the lowest dose, which may be increased if necessary. At the beginning of the treatment 0.375 mg of the drug a day divided into three equal parts and taken three times a day with or without food is prescribed. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 4.5 mg. It is the usual practice to stop the therapy gradually and slowly, reducing the dose; however, abrupt stopping of the drug was not associated with any withdrawal symptoms.
Mirapex, as any other drug, has its week-points, namely side effects; interactions with some other medicines as histamines, cardiovascular drugs, or antipsychotics; or contraindications to be used in patients suffering from certain health disorders, as hypotension. At the same time, they definitely serve practically as life-saving means for millions of those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Their undeniable advantage is that they postpone the necessity to use Levodopa, which can be reserved for the late stages of the condition. The most important thing cannot be underestimated: Mirapex remains one of the most effective and safest anti-Parkinson’s medications.
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