Drug-Related Parkinsonism: Symptoms, Causes, and Further Insights
Drug-induced Parkinsonism is a form of secondary parkinsonism, distinct from Parkinson's disease. This condition, more common in females and older adults, can be triggered by various medications and toxins.
One of the primary causes of drug-induced Parkinsonism are dopamine receptor blockers, particularly certain antipsychotics and antiemetics. Antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, and atypical antipsychotics like risperidone, strongly interfere with dopamine pathways critical for motor control, leading to symptoms like tremors, bradykinesia, gait disturbances, and rigidity. Anti-nausea medications, such as promethazine and metoclopramide, also fall into this category.
Amantadine, a dopaminergic agent, can be used to treat drug-induced Parkinsonism in some cases, especially when stopping the offending agent is not possible.
Other potential causes of drug-induced Parkinsonism include antidepressants, gastrointestinal prokinetics, calcium channel blockers, and anticonvulsants.
Gastrointestinal prokinetics can cause additional side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, and dystonia.
In most cases, the symptoms associated with drug-induced Parkinsonism will remain the same and improve once a person stops taking the medication responsible for the syndrome. However, in some less common cases, a person may experience worsening symptoms over time.
It's important to note that drug-induced parkinsonism occurs due to drugs or toxins blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This condition is a cause of secondary parkinsonism.
When dealing with drug-induced Parkinsonism, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen. In most cases, weaning off the medication causing drug-induced Parkinsonism can reverse the effects, but it may not always be the best option.
[1] Drug-Induced Parkinsonism: Clinical Features and Management. UpToDate.com. Accessed 2022-03-01. [3] Parkinsonism. Merck Manual. Accessed 2022-03-01. [5] Drug-Induced Parkinsonism. Medscape.com. Accessed 2022-03-01.
- The nausea and vomiting caused by certain antiemetic medications can lead to drug-induced Parkinsonism, a form of secondary parkinsonism distinct from Parkinson's disease.
- Apart from antipsychotics and antiemetics, other medications like antidepressants, gastrointestinal prokinetics, calcium channel blockers, and anticonvulsants can also trigger drug-induced Parkinsonism.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, it's crucial to consider the potential side effects of therapies-and-treatments, such as drug-induced Parkinsonism, when selecting medications for the management of various conditions.
