Adverse Events from the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Effective medications exist to treat these motor symptoms but can be associated with adverse effects. When severe, these adverse effects can interfere with a patient's quality of life. In this article, the most common adverse events from PD treatment are discussed, including nausea, dyskinesias, somnolence, compulsive behaviors, psychosis, and peripheral edema. Additionally, melanoma and weight loss, two conditions that have been variably linked to PD treatment, are reviewed.