Dopamine Agonists

Dopamine agonists (DA) are drugs that act like dopamine and produce dopamine-like effects. Neurons release chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, in order to send messages to other cells. Dopamine binds to a molecule on the surface of a receiving cell (dopamine receptor), setting off a chain of events that ultimately results in normal movement.

The use of dopamine agonists may serve as an appropriate alternative for or supplement to carbidopa/levodopa therapy. Such medications include bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel®) which is an ergot-derived medications and pramipexole dihydrochloride (Mirapex®) and ropinirole hydrochloride (Requip™), which are nonergotoline medications.

There are several different types of dopamine receptors (known as D1, D2, etc.). Because receptors D1 and D2 are thought to work together to produce natural movements, researchers theorize that the most effective dopamine agonist therapies for certain neurologic movement disorders such as RLS may simultaneously stimulate D1 and D2 receptors (i.e., postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the nigrostriatal system).

	Nonergotoline Medications