Piribedil

Piribedil is a dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist that is used in treatments for depression and is an antiparkinsonian agent. It has been used in the treatment of Parkinson’s over the last 40 years. Piribedil can be administered either as monotherapy (without levodopa therapy) or it can be incorporated with levodopa therapy.

Piribedil can be purchased in 50-milligram sustained/extended release tablets and should be started once daily for the first week. After the first week, in order to achieve the optimal therapeutic dose, the dosage of the tablets should be gradually increased. Dosages may vary depending on the severity of the cases.

• Monotherapy → three to five tablets daily (three to five doses)
• Combined with levodopa therapy → one to three tablets daily

Side effects that may occur when taking piribedil include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. In more extreme reactions, patients can suffer from dyskinesia and could possibly develop Raynaud’s syndrome. If any of the symptoms occur, discontinue the medication and speak to your healthcare professional.

Special consideration and precautions need to be taken before starting piribedil prescriptions for patients suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome, renal impairment, hypersensitivity, history of psychosis, uncontrolled hypertension, and if the patient is pregnant.

Drug interactions may occur when piribedil (dopamine agonist) is taken with drugs that work as dopamine antagonists such as phenothiazines may prevent piribedil from working properly.