Chronic s.c. lisuride in Parkinson's disease--motor-performance and avoidance of psychiatric side effects

On-off fluctuations in longstanding Parkinson's disease initially respond well to a combined drug regime of Levodopa with direct dopamine agonists and L-deprenyl. L-Dopa infusions are efficient, but not applicable for longer use. S.c.-Lisuride-infusions reduce markedly motor-response fluctuations, dystonias and hyperkinesias, but bear the risk of inducing confusion or even psychosis. In patients with coexisting response fluctuations and psychiatric disturbances a therapeutic approach is outlined to preserve still some favourable effects on motor performance avoiding severe psychosis. Side-effects and possible complications of that therapy are discussed as are some further indications for the clinical use of Lisuride in akinetic crisis, the neuroleptic malignant syndrome and in dyskinesias.