The Neupro Patch is used to treat early symptom Parkinson’s Disease.  The Neupro Patch in now available in retail pharmacies throughout the United States.  The patch has received quite a bit of hype because of its potential to provide continuous drug activity over a 24 hour period.

In the July 10, 2007, issue of Neulrology, a study suggests the problems of hallucinations and sleepiness while taking the durgs pramipexole and levodopa.

“For the study, researchers reviewed the results of a four-year clinical trial involving 301 people with an average age of 61 who had early Parkinson’s disease. Half of the group received the drug levodopa; the other half took pramipexole. No one reported having hallucinations at the beginning of the study.

The study found nearly one-fifth developed hallucinations, more than one-third of the participants developed sleepiness, and nearly half developed swelling within four years of starting treatment. Multiple health problems, along with age, gender, initial type of treatment and cognitive status were identified as risk factors.

“In contrast to other studies, we found being male, having multiple health problems and taking pramipexole were independently associated with developing sleepiness,” said Biglan. “This is the first time a patient’s other health problems have been identified as a risk factor for drowsiness.”

The study also found being older, having more multiple health problems and the presence of slight memory problems were associated with an increased risk of hallucinations; type of treatment did not affect the risk.”

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