Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 14, 2021
Clinical practice regarding dopamine-agonist use and driving in Parkinson's disease
R M A de Bie1, J Miyasaki, A E Lang
1Movement Disorders Centre, Division of Neurology University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Current Health Canada instructions for use of the dopamine agonists (DA), pramipexole and ropinirole, state that Parkinson's disease (PD) patients should be told not to drive. The objective was to assess neurologists' actual clinical practice concerning driving advice they give to PD patients starting a DA.
Methods:
An online survey was created consisting of 4 items regarding demographics, 5 regarding PD and driving, and 9 regarding DA use and driving. The survey was distributed to 563 neurologists.
Results:
In total 96 neurologists (17.9%) responded. 4.4% tell patients with PD not to drive, solely because they are taking a DA. Respondents assess the patient's tendency for excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks after starting a DA more frequently than after starting other dopaminergic drugs (p < 0.001).
Discussion:
A minor proportion of the clinicians responding to our survey advise PD patients not to drive, solely because they use a DA. Such being the case, we propose that current Health Canada guidelines need revision.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
