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Buspirone in Parkinson's disease.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Buspirone, an anxiolytic, was studied in Parkinson's disease patients. It proved ineffective for Parkinson's symptoms and did not worsen disability at lower doses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication.
- Its mechanism may involve presynaptic dopamine receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of buspirone in Parkinson's disease patients.
Main Methods:
- An open-label study was conducted.
- 11 Parkinson's disease patients received buspirone.
- Doses ranged from 50-100 mg/day over 10-21 weeks.
Main Results:
- No significant change in clinical status was observed at doses of 50-70 mg/day.
- Higher doses (65-100 mg/day) led to mild worsening of parkinsonian symptoms in two severely affected patients.
- Anxiolytic doses (less than 40 mg/day) did not adversely affect parkinsonian disability.
Conclusions:
- Buspirone is ineffective for treating Parkinson's disease.
- Lower, anxiolytic doses of buspirone appear safe in Parkinson's patients.