Anticholinergics

In the brain there is normally a balance between the activity of dopamine, and the activity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In Parkinson’s disease there is a deficiency in the brain of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This deficiency causes overactivity of the acetylcholine. Anticholinergic (also called antimuscarinic) medicines work by preventing the activity acetylcholine to restore this balance and help diminish some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Anticholinergics are an older form of medication that are rarely used now although they are sometimes prescribed on their own to treat younger people in the early stages of Parkinson’s who have mild symptoms. They are most effective on tremor. They also may be used to reduce saliva production in people who experience drooling problems and help people who have a strong, frequent urge to urinate by damping down bladder contractions.

They should not be given to older people because there is an increased risk of confusion. They can also cause dry mouth, constipation and blurring of vision.

Anticholinergics used to treat Parkinson’s include:

Further reading on Anticholinergics