Abstract
Objective: To determine the effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist amantadine on levodopa-associated dyskinesias and motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease (PD). Background: NMDA receptor blockade can ameliorate levodopa-induced dyskinesias in primates and PD patients. Amantadine, a well-tolerated and modestly effective antiparkinsonian agent, was recently found to possess NMDA antagonistic properties. Methods: Eighteen patients with advanced PD participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. At the end of each 3-week treatment arm, parkinsonian and dyskinesia scores were obtained during a steady-state intravenous levodopa infusion. Motor fluctuations and dyskinesias were also documented with patient-kept diaries and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) interviews. Results: In the 14 patients completing this trial, amantadine reduced dyskinesia averity by 60% (p = 0.001) compared to placebo, without altering the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa. Motor everity by 60% (p = 0.001) compared to placebo, without altering the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa. Motor fluctuations occurring with patients' regular oral levodopa regimen also improved according to UPDRS and patient-kept diaries. Conclusions: These findings suggest that amantadine given as adjuvant to levodopa can markedly improve motor response complications and support the view that hyperfunction of NMDA receptors contributes to the pathogenesis of levodopa-associated motor complications.
Translated title of the contribution | Amantadine as treatment for dyskinesias and motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease |
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Original language | German |
Pages (from-to) | 480-484 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Nervenheilkunde |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 10 |
State | Published - Dec 1998 |
Keywords
- Amantadine
- Dyskinesias
- Levodopa
- Motor fluctuations
- Parkinson's disease
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Family Practice