Dextromethorphan for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease and Similar Conditions of the Nervous System

Summary

This study is designed to determine whether dextromethorphan, a drug commonly found in cough medicine, is beneficial and safe for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other diseases that might share biochemical abnormalities with Parkinson's disease. Patients with Parkinson's disease are missing the chemical neurotransmitter dopamine. This occurs as a result of destructive changes in an area of the brain responsible for making dopamine, the basal ganglia. Rhythmical muscular tremors, rigidity of movement, shuffling footsteps, droopy posture, and a mask-like expression on the face characterize Parkinson's disease. Researchers believe that dextromethorphan may be able to safely modify psychomotor function of patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Timeline

Start

1993-07

Primary completion

—

Completion

2001-06

Publications

• Background Blanchet PJ, Papa SM, Metman LV, Mouradian MM, Chase TN. Modulation of levodopa-induced motor response complications by NMDA antagonists in Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1997 Jul;21(4):447-53. doi: 10.1016/s0149-7634(96)00038-3.
• Background Verhagen Metman L, Blanchet PJ, van den Munckhof P, Del Dotto P, Natte R, Chase TN. A trial of dextromethorphan in parkinsonian patients with motor response complications. Mov Disord. 1998 May;13(3):414-7. doi: 10.1002/mds.870130307.

Drugs

Indications