Medications called dopamine agonists are able to promote dopamine effects in the body and relieve symptoms.
These medications have risks and side effects, especially with prolonged use or in high doses.
What Is Dopamine?
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Dopamine action in the brain also coordinates body movements.
Some dopamine agonists only target one receptor (i.e., fenoldopam).
Most are selective dopamine agonists, like pramipexole, and target a category of similarly functioning receptors.
The ergoline dopamine agonists are unselective and have broad actions.
This makes them more likely to cause unintended consequences in body systems unrelated to the disease being treated.
Classes of Dopamine Agonist Medications
Dopamine agonist medications come in two drug classesergoline and non-ergoline.
Another class of medication that affects dopamine in the body isindirect dopamine agonists.
Indirect agonists are drugs that dont directly bind with dopamine receptors.
L-DOPA converts to dopamine, and MAO-B inhibitors prolong the action of available dopamine.
These prescription drugs restore activity to dopamine receptors in areas of the brain that have lost functional dopamine-producing cells.
It is more common during the evening when reclining or lying down.
This feeling is usually relieved by movement, massage of the affected area, or walking around.
The condition often interferes with sleep and may be associated with a decline in overall health.
Dopamine agonists at higher doses may lead to some side effects that may make alpha-2-delta ligands preferable.
Hyperprolactinemia
Hyperprolactinemiais an excess of prolactin production.
Prolactin is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy.
Treatments for hyperprolactinemia that is unresponsive to dopamine agonists may include combinations of medications and transsphenoidal surgery.
Hypertension
Hypertension is high blood pressure.
The kidneys are especially important for regulating blood volume and pressure.
In late stages, it may be combined with L-DOPA.
It is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
It is metabolized by the kidneys and should not be taken by people with poorly functioning kidneys.
Common side effects include drowsiness, sudden sleep attacks, nausea, and swelling in the limbs.
It is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Dose adjustments may need to be made for people who have severe liver function impairment.
It is applied to the skin, which reduces some of the potential side effects.
Common side effects are dyskinesia, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and impulse control problems.
This medication is mainly used in Europe.
Fenoldopam:This short-acting injection selectively targets D1 receptors.
These drugs are also helpful in treating hyperprolactinemia.
Bromocriptine is associated with a dose-dependent risk of heart valve fibrosis and regurgitation.
This condition causes the heart valves to stiffen and to stay open, allowing backflow of blood.
This medication is rarely used due to side effects.
Taking more than 30 milligrams (mg) of bromocriptine per day is not recommended.
Bromocriptines other side effects include hypotension, nausea, headache, vomiting, confusion, and hallucinations.
Cabergoline has an even higher dose-dependant risk of valvular regurgitation.
Doses of cabergoline greater than 3 mg per day are not recommended.
High doses of dopamine agonists can lead to impulse control disorders.
Impulse control disorders can cause outbursts, antisocial actions, and addictive behaviors.
These medications should not be stopped suddenly without consulting with the prescriber first.
Augmentation
Some people taking dopamine agonists may begin to experience worsened symptoms while taking the medication.
This phenomenon is called augmentation.
Augmentation occurs commonly with dopamine agonists and related medications like L-DOPA.
Studies of augmentation by dopamine agonists in restless legs syndrome treatment have found some risks with each treatment option.
The medication may significantly improve quality of life.
If side effects occur, reach out to your prescribing healthcare providermodification of your treatment regimen may be necessary.
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