Know a little about “medicine” | How to choose anti-Parkinson’s disease drugs?

Mr. Li has suffered from Parkinson's disease for many years, but his tremor symptoms have not been well controlled after taking medication recently, and he has even experienced cognitive decline. His wife heard that benzhexol is effective, so she wanted the doctor to change Mr. Li's medication, but the doctor said that this medication is not suitable for Mr. Li. Why?

Trihexyphenidyl is mainly suitable for Parkinson's patients with tremors, but because it is a central anticholinergic drug, long-term use may reduce cognitive function. It is not recommended for patients who have already experienced cognitive decline. Therefore, the doctor believes that Mr. Li is not suitable for changing the medicine.

The choice of other anti-Parkinson's drugs should also be adjusted according to the patient's age, symptoms, disease severity, comorbidities, work and living environment, etc. For example, for patients with late-onset Parkinson's disease or younger patients with high demand for motor function improvement, levodopa is the first choice. Selegiline is recommended for patients with early-onset or first-line Parkinson's disease, but it should be avoided for patients with hypertension, tachycardia and angina pectoris. For patients with depression, pramipexole can be used, but it is necessary to monitor the adverse reactions of the central nervous system.

Parkinson's patients must follow the doctor's orders when taking medication and cannot choose the type and dosage of medication on their own.