Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

What class of medication is commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease?

1. Antidepressants

2. Opioids

3. Dopamine agonists

4. Beta blockers

The correct answer is: Dopamine agonists

Dopamine agonists are a class of medication that mimic the action of dopamine in the brain, which is crucial for the control of movement. In individuals with Parkinson's disease, there is a significant loss of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to the characteristic motor symptoms of the disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). By stimulating dopamine receptors, dopamine agonists help alleviate these symptoms and improve motor function. These medications are often used as an early treatment option for Parkinson's disease and can also be utilized in combination with other treatments as the disease progresses. Their ability to enhance dopaminergic activity in the brain makes them a cornerstone in the management of this condition. Other types of medications listed, such as antidepressants, opioids, and beta blockers, do not specifically target the underlying dopaminergic deficiencies associated with Parkinson's disease and are therefore not appropriate for its treatment. Antidepressants may be used to treat depression, which can occur in Parkinson's patients but are not used to manage the motor symptoms of the disease. Opioids are primarily used for pain relief and do not address the specific motor symptoms. Beta blockers are mainly used for hypertension and certain types of arrhythmias, having