How Do Anticholinergic Antiparkinson Agents Work?

Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents are a class of medications used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

The direct cause of Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonian-like syndrome is the deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Antiparkinson medicines aim to prolong the action of dopamine in the brain by:

• Replacing dopamine
• Inhibiting dopamine breakdown
• Sensitizing dopamine receptors to stimulate dopamine release

Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents prolong dopamine action in the brain by inhibiting the reabsorption and storage of neurotransmitters. Reabsorption is a normal mechanism by which the body controls how long a nerve signal lasts. However, reabsorption can be an issue when there is a low level of dopamine. Hence, by limiting the reuptake of dopamine, anticholinergics increase dopamine concentration in the brain.

Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents may be effective in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. They may also be used as adjuncts to levodopa as the disease progresses.

The most common side effects of anticholinergic antiparkinson agents include:

• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Hallucinations
• Dry mouth
• Blurry vision
• Urinary retention
• Disorientation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Irregular heart rate
• Psychosis
• Rash

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of anticholinergic antiparkinson agents include:

• Artane
• Benztropine
• Cogentin
• Trihex
• Trihexyphenidyl