Best treatments for parkinson disease

Understanding parkinson disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder that develops when nerve cells in the brain no longer make enough of a chemical called dopamine. In a brain region called the substantia nigra, these dopamine-producing cells slowly die, and without enough dopamine the brain cannot properly control muscle movement. Symptoms usually appear gradually and can affect one or both sides of the body. The main motor symptoms are resting tremor (trembling of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face), slowness of movement, stiffness or rigidity of the arms, legs, and trunk, and poor balance and coordination. Many people also have non-motor symptoms, some appearing early, such as reduced sense of smell, constipation, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety; cognitive changes can occur as the disease progresses. There is no single test for Parkinson's disease; doctors diagnose it from medical history and a neurological examination, and other tests may be used to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. There is no cure, but medicines, deep brain stimulation surgery, physical and occupational therapy, and exercise can help control symptoms. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What treats parkinson disease?

Our catalog lists 18 products that may treat parkinson disease, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is mirapex er.

What is the best-rated treatment for parkinson disease?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — mirapex er ranks highest among the products we list for parkinson disease. Always consult a professional.

How are these treatments ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

What types of drugs treat parkinson disease?

Treatments for parkinson disease span FDA drug classes including nonergot dopamine agonist, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, anticholinergic, antihistamine, catechol-o-methyltransferase inhibitor. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.

Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.