MAY 13, 2020

Drug Targets Off Episodes of Parkinson

WRITTEN BY: Nouran Amin

A novel drug was approved by the FDA to target the “off” episodes of Parkinson disease. The drug is referred to as ‘Ongentys’ which is a catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that when combined with another drug improves treatment efficacy. In other words, Ongentys works with levodopa to increase more dopamine entry into the brain.

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Dopamine is brain fuel that stimulates normal movements and decreases symptoms associated with Parkinson.

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Some adverse effects associated with Ongentys use includes abnormal dreams, headaches, sleep challenges, hallucinations, and low blood pressure. Although some complications, such as dyskinesia (involuntary movements), is related to levodopa boost rather than Ongentys alone.

Source: MichaelJFox.org