Levodopa confusion caused

The use of pergolide in patients on levodopa may cause or exacerbate pre-existing states of confusion and hallucinations or preexisting dyskinesia. 

The manufacturer notes that the use of pergolide in patients on levodopa may cause and/or exacerbate pre-existing states of dyskinesia, confusion, and hallucinations. Also, they say that stopping pergolide abruptly in patients on levodopa may precipitate the onset of hallucinations and confusion. ... 

Side effects include dyskinesias, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, sleep attacks, pathologic gambling, discoloration of urine/sweat, and psychiatric effects (confusion, hallucinations, nightmares, and altered behavior). Dyskinesias caused by adding other PD drugs to levodopa may be improved by decreasing the levodopa dose. Motor complications occur in about 40% of patients within 4 to 6 years of starting levodopa.1,8,24,25,37... 

Quazepam (Doral) [C IV] [Sedative/Hypnotic/ Benzodiazepine] Uses Insomnia Action Benzodiazepine Dose 7.5-15 mg PO hs PRN i in elderly hqjatic failure Caution [X, /-] NA glaucoma Contra PRG, sleep apnea Disp Tabs SE Sedation, hangovCT, somnolence, resp depression Interactions T Effects W/ azole antifungals, cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram, INH, levodopa, macrolides, neuroleptics, phenytoin, quinolones, SSRIs, verapamil, grapefruit juice, EtOH effects W/carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, tobacco EMS Use caution w/ other benzodiazepines, antihistamines, opioids and verapamil, can T CNS depression concurrent EtOH and grapefruit juice use T CNS depression OD May cause profound CNS depression, confusion, bradycardia, hypotension, and altered reflexes flumazenil can be used as antidote activated charcoal may be effective... 

Geriatric Considerations - Summary Ropinirole is a nonergot dopamine agonist which directly stimulates dopamine Dj receptors. It can be used in combination with levodopa or as monotherapy. If discontinued, ropinirole should be slowly tapered because abrupt discontinuation can cause confusion, hallucinations, and a condition similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome. 

Adverse effects of the COMT inhibitors relate in part to increased levodopa exposure and include dyskinesias, nausea, and confusion. It is often necessary to lower the daily dose of levodopa by about 30% in the first 48 hours to avoid or reverse such complications. Other adverse effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, orthostatic hypotension, sleep disturbances, and an orange discoloration of the urine. Tolcapone may cause an increase in liver enzyme levels and has been associated... 

Bromocriptine is the prototype but causes marked dyskinesias and CNS dysfunctions, including hallucinations, confusion, and psychosis. Formerly used as adjunct or alternative to levodopa, bromocriptine has been largely replaced by the non-ergots pramipexole and ropinirole, which are less toxic. However, they may cause sedation, including abrupt sleep onset. 

Toxicity Gastrointestinal effects include anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Cardiovascular effects commonly include postural hypotension cardiac arrhythmias may also occur. Dyskinesias may occur with abnormal movements similar to those caused by levodopa. Behavioral effects include confusion, hallucinations, and delusions these occur more commonly with bromocriptine and pergolide than with levodopa. Like levodopa, bromocriptine and pergolide are contraindieated in patients with a history of psychosis. Miscellaneous ei ot-related effects with bromocriptine inelude pulmonary infiltrates and erythromelalgia. 

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