Parkinson’s Disease Treatment: Medication, Therapy, and More
Updated on December 26, 2025
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Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects more than a million Americans. While there isn’t a cure, Parkinson’s symptoms, such as stiffness, slow movement, cognitive changes, and balance issues, can be managed with various medications, physical therapies, lifestyle changes, and more. Discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for managing your condition.
Medication
Many symptoms of Parkinson’s result from a loss of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. For this reason, several medications for Parkinson’s disease either raise the level of dopamine in the brain or mimic its effects. Meanwhile, other medications help control nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s or target other neurotransmitters to mitigate symptoms.
Drugs That Increase Dopamine
Levodopa, the precursor to dopamine, can be an effective treatment for more advanced cases of Parkinson’s disease. It’s often combined with carbidopa to reduce side effects and to increase the amount of levodopa available to brain cells. While levodopa can temporarily help replace some of the lost dopamine in the brain, carbidopa helps improve the uptake of levodopa by preventing it from being activated into dopamine before it reaches the brain.
Carbidopa-levodopa is available as an oral medication under the brand names Crexont, Rytary, and Sinemet. It’s also available as an infusion under the brand names Duopa and Vyalev.
Carbidopa-levodopa is available as an oral medication under the brand names Crexont, Rytary, and Sinemet. It’s also available as an infusion under the brand names Duopa and Vyalev.
Drugs That Mimic Dopamine
A number of medications mimic dopamine in the brain to address Parkinson’s symptoms, including:
- apomorphine (Apokyn, Kynmobi)
- pramipexole (Mirapex)
- ropinirole (Requip)
- rotigotine (Neupro)
MAO-B Inhibitors
These medications inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), which breaks down dopamine in the brain, helping dopamine remain intact for the brain to use. MAO-B inhibitors include:
- rasagiline (Azilect)
- safinamide (Xadago)
- selegiline (Zelapar)
COMT Inhibitors
These medications help block another enzyme, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), from breaking down dopamine in the brain. This group of medications includes entacapone (Comtan) and opicapone (Ongentys).
Amantadine (Symmetrel)
Amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel) is an antiviral medication and an antidyskinetic medication that may be prescribed to those with Parkinson’s to help address sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia). Amantadine can be taken alone or alongside other medications for Parkinson’s, such as levodopa.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics can be helpful for reducing tremor and muscle contractions by reducing the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine that’s involved in activating muscles. Anticholinergics prescribed for Parkinson’s include benztropine (Cogentin) and trihexyphenidyl (Artane).
Medications for Nonmovement Symptoms
While many medications focus on motor symptoms common with Parkinson’s disease, other drugs may help various nonmotor or nonmovement symptoms of the disorder.
Atypical antipsychotic medications may be used (some off-label) to treat the hallucinations and delusions that some people with Parkinson’s experience.
These drugs include:
- pimavanserin (Nuplazid)
- clozapine (Clozaril)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
Stimulants, including modafinil (Provigil) and armodafinil (Nuvigil), may also be used to help treat excessive daytime sleepiness in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat dementia or cognitive problems. While these medications were developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, they can also be used by people with Parkinson’s.
Surgery
There are several surgical options for Parkinson’s management, including the newer and more common beep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure and older procedures like pallidotomy and thalamotomy.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
The most common type of surgery for Parkinson’s, DBS uses an electrode to stimulate certain parts of the brain, much like a cardiac pacemaker. A pulse generator connected to a battery pack is implanted in the chest near the collarbone. A wire from the generator sends painless, finely controlled electrical signals to the brain to interfere with signals that cause the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
DBS is recommended for people who have Parkinson’s and whose motor symptoms respond well to levodopa. DBS may also be recommended for people with Parkinson’s disease whose tremor is difficult to control with medications alone. However, those with memory problems, severe depression, poor health, or a consistently poor response to levodopa aren’t typically considered good candidates for the procedure. Regardless of the reason for DBS, most people with Parkinson’s continue to take medications after the procedure.
As with any surgery, DBS surgery carries a risk of infection. Because DBS is a brain surgery, there’s also a small risk of brain hemorrhage.
Pallidotomy and Thalamotomy
These older surgical techniques permanently destroy parts of the brain that are causing motor symptoms. Today, ultrasound thalamotomy, specifically for tremor, can be performed noninvasively, without the need for surgery.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Constipation can be a problem for people with Parkinson’s, so prioritizing a fiber-rich diet with plenty of fluids may help. Dietary fiber comes from plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, all of which are components of the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its myriad health benefits.
Meanwhile, protein can inhibit the body’s absorption of the drug levodopa, so it’s best not to eat a lot of it at the same time you take this medication and instead up your protein at other meals of the day.
While research is ongoing regarding the possible benefits of antioxidants, caffeine, and some dietary supplements for people with Parkinson’s, there’s no conclusive evidence that any specific dietary factors are helpful in preventing or treating the condition.
Always tell your healthcare provider about any supplements you’re taking because they may interact with other medications.
Physical Rehabilitation and Movement
Regular exercise and strength training can improve strength, flexibility, and balance as well as fight depression in people with Parkinson’s. While you should always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program, the following movement modalities may be helpful.
Tai Chi
Tai chi, a traditional Chinese martial art and form of qigong, has been shown to help improve mobility, flexibility, and balance in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s. It also lowers the risk of falls.
Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy
A speech therapist may be able to help you overcome problems related to speaking and swallowing that result from symptoms of Parkinson’s. Meanwhile, an occupational therapist can help you develop techniques to aid with daily activities like dressing, eating, bathing, and writing.
Mindful Exercise
Practices like the Alexander Technique, which involves examining posture, balance, and how you use your muscles, may help reduce muscle tension, pain, and your risk of falling. It’s usually taught in person by educators certified in the method.
Other mindful exercise practices include a dynamic dance workout called the Nia Technique and movement exploration through the Feldenkrais Technique. Yoga is another way to improve motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s.
Complementary and Integrative Approaches to Parkinson’s
Some people with Parkinson’s have found that a number of complementary and integrative therapies help them cope with their symptoms.
Acupuncture
While more studies are needed to confirm its long-term benefits, acupuncture as a complementary treatment may help improve both motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s by promoting the body’s production of dopamine as well as enhancing the survival of the neurons that release it.
Cannabis
Many people with Parkinson’s disease report that they have tried cannabis in some form to treat Parkinson’s symptoms. Some say it helps reduce stiffness and tremor, while others note benefits in pain management, anxiety, and sleep quality. But the evidence regarding cannabis use for the treatment of Parkinson’s is inconclusive.
Massage
Beyond the relaxation benefits of massage, some massage techniques have been shown to help improve sleep and reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression symptoms in people with Parkinson’s.
Music and Art Therapy
Music therapy can be particularly helpful for people with Parkinson’s, improving motor symptoms, benefiting nonmotor symptoms, and improving quality of life. While less researched, art therapy may also help improve motor and vision symptoms.
Pet Therapy
Interacting with a pet may also expand your range of motion and flexibility while also supporting emotional health. Dog ownership in particular may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s and improve symptoms due to how it increases a person’s level of physical activity. This additional activity also seems to reduce fatigue, improve bowel function, and support a healthy appetite.
Pain Management
Chronic pain is common among people with Parkinson’s. The causes of pain can vary, as can the treatment methods. These include the Parkinson’s medications listed above, other medications that target specific sources of pain, exercise and physical therapy regimens, and surgery for certain musculoskeletal issues.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, work with your healthcare team to determine the specific causes of your pain so they can design the best treatment plan for you.
Mental Health
Many people with Parkinson’s also struggle with mental health, experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially as the condition progresses. Some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as a reduced ability to smile spontaneously, difficulty recognizing emotions in others, and speech problems, can also make social interactions more difficult, which may further exacerbate anxiety and depression symptoms.
One way to connect with others facing the same challenges is to seek out a peer support group through a national organization like the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Parkinson’s Buddy Network, or through the hospital or clinic where you receive medical care.
If you’re experiencing mental health challenges as a result of Parkinson’s, it’s critical that you share them with your healthcare provider so they can help connect you with local support resources or refer you to a mental health professional.
The Takeaway
- Most treatments for Parkinson’s focus on replenishing or mimicking dopamine to manage motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, while other medications target nonmotor issues like psychosis, sleepiness, and cognitive decline.
- For those who respond well to medication but require more advanced intervention, deep brain stimulation uses electrical pulses to interfere with symptom-causing brain signals, offering an alternative to older, more invasive procedures.
- People with Parkinson’s can improve their mobility and quality of life through a fiber-rich diet, regular physical exercise with tai chi or yoga, and specialized therapies to address challenges with speech, swallowing, and daily living tasks.
- Managing Parkinson’s often involves a combination of complementary approaches, such as acupuncture and massage, alongside professional mental health support and peer groups to combat common symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Resources We Trust
- Mayo Clinic: Exercise Is First-Line Treatment for Parkinson’s
- Cleveland Clinic: Parkinson’s Disease Medications
- American Parkinson Disease Association: Living With Parkinson’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Foundation: Management and Lifestyle
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Fighting Parkinson’s Disease With Exercise and Diet
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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- Anticholinergic Drugs. Parkinson’s Foundation.
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- Nuplazid (Pimavanserin). The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
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Meet Our Experts
Sneha Mantri, MD, MS
Medical Reviewer
As the Parkinson’s Foundation first-ever chief medical officer, Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, leads medical and clinical care efforts, guiding the Foundation’s care portfolio and strategy to ensure impactful, sustainable initiatives.
Dr. Mantri is a practicing movement disorders specialist with extensive training and experience. She completed her medical education at Columbia University, residency at the University of Virginia, and a movement disorders fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia VA Medical Center.
She brings her patient-centered philosophy to the Parkinson's Foundation, emphasizing that people come before their diagnosis and that Parkinson’s care must be personalized.
Throughout her career, Mantri has focused on building collaborations and expanding outreach to rural communities while raising Parkinson’s awareness in the medical field.
She developed collaboration with the Margolis Institute for Health Policy through the Duke Clinical Leadership Program in 2024 and participates in a PBS-NC panel discussion for her integrated, interprofessional care model.
She serves as a Macy Faculty Scholar, currently working to expand humanistic and community-engaged practice nursing, and physical and occupational therapy. She has also been leading THRIVE-PD since 2019, an early-intervention team-based care model for people with Parkinson's across the Carolinas.
Larry Buhl
Author
A multimedia journalist and author, Larry Buhl is a longtime contributor to Positively Aware, TheBodyPro and Capital & Main. He has also contributed to KQED, Marketplace, Distillations, The New Republic, A&U, Salon, Fast Company, the BBC and others. He's based in Los Angeles.