Description of Prolopa and Dopamine

Prolopa is a combination drug prescribed to help decrease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative and progressive disease involving your central nervous system. The loss of certain nerve cells in the brain cause a drop in an important neurotransmitter called dopamine. It is believed that by balancing dopamine or other neurotransmitters, your ability to function independently or with minimal supervision is improved as symptoms are decreased. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but Prolopa can help to minimize your symptoms for a time and allow you to do the things you enjoy.

Dopamine has many functions as a brain chemical. It plays a role in learning and high cognitive functioning, regulates motor activity, modulates eating habits, and helps regulate blood flow through your arteries. The reduction of dopamine in your body can cause several medical conditions and taking Prolopa can help you with your motor skills so you’re able to function better with PD and the symptoms it causes.

What the Active Ingredients Do In Your Body

When taken as directed, the active drugs work together to reduce your symptoms. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in your body, raising the amount circulating in your brain. Benserazide HCl is Levodopa’s “back-up” in that it ensures the maximum amount of dopamine is available inside your brain by inhibiting a certain action that would alter Levodopa before it has a chance to convert in your brain where it is most needed. With dopamine levels increased, your motor functions improve and you are able to carry out daily activities. Prolopa also reduces the dopamine effects in the rest of your body so there are less side effects.

Conditions Treated by Prolopa

Despite decades of research and studying Parkinson’s disease (PD), there are still no definitive causes. It is theorized that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and this can vary from person to person. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include a tremor of hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; slow movements; limbs and trunk become stiff or rigid; balance and coordination becomes impaired. The condition worsens over time with the complete loss of muscle function.

Before You Take Prolopa

You should not take Prolopa if you are pregnant or breast-feeding as it may cause harm to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions you have so your doctor can decide if Prolopa is the right medication for you. List any Rx drugs and OTC meds you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to avoid negative interactions if taken with Prolopa.

Prolopa Precautions

Until you know how Prolopa will affect you, do not drive or participate in any activities that require you to be alert and in control of your body. If you are a diabetic, monitor your blood glucose regularly as Prolopa can alter the levels. If you are scheduled for any surgical procedures, inform medical staff that you are taking Prolopa as it may need to be discontinued shortly before you are given certain anesthetics.

Possible Side Effects of Prolopa

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Changes in your sleep pattern
• Compulsive behavior (spending/gambling)

Drugs Similar to Prolopa

• Sinemet
• Stalevo
• Mirapex