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Buspirone in levodopa-induced dyskinesias
V Bonifati1, E Fabrizio, R Cipriani
1Department of Neurosciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Buspirone effectively reduced levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease patients. This study found buspirone lessened dyskinesia severity without worsening parkinsonism symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Levodopa-induced dyskinesias are common motor complications in Parkinson's disease.
- Current treatments for dyskinesias have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of buspirone in reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease patients.
- To assess the safety of buspirone concerning extrapyramidal symptoms and anxious/depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, crossover comparison of buspirone (20 mg/day) and placebo was conducted in 10 Parkinson's disease patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesias.
- Patients received either buspirone or placebo for 3 weeks, with a washout period between treatments.
- Extrapyramidal symptoms, dyskinesias, and anxious/depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and after each treatment phase.
Main Results:
- Buspirone significantly reduced the severity of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in 5 out of 7 patients who completed the trial.
- No worsening of extrapyramidal symptoms was observed during buspirone treatment.
- No significant changes in anxious or depressive symptoms were noted.
Conclusions:
- Buspirone demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease.
- The observed antidyskinetic effect may be related to buspirone's actions on serotonin and dopamine systems.
- Further investigation with higher buspirone dosages is warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety profile.