Interactions of L-dopa and amantadine in patients with Parkinsonism. Issue 3 (June 1973)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cox, B.; Danta, G.; Schnieden, H.; Yuill, G. M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 36:Issue 3(1973)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 361
• Publication Date: 1973-06
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.36.3.354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Twenty-seven patients with Parkinson's disease participated in a double-blind crossover trial of L -dopa and amantadine. Each drug was given for six weeks, and six weeks were allowed to elapse between the two periods of treatment. Marked improvement occurred in patients given L -dopa first, whereas no clinical effect was observed in those patients treated first with amantadine. L -dopa was less beneficial to patients who had previously received amantadine, whereas amantadine became effective in patients who had previously taken L -dopa. The effect of pre-treatment with one drug on the therapeutic effectiveness of the other drug is reflected in changes of homovanillic acid levels in the cerebrospinal fluid.