Permax (Pergolide Mesylate) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Permax

Parkinson's Disease »

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

Read the Parkinson's Disease article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Permax User Reviews >>

Permax

Parkinson's Disease Slideshow Pictures

Dementia Slideshow Pictures

Take the Parkinson's Quiz

font size

Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Permax Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

PERGOLIDE - ORAL

(PURR-go-lide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Permax

USES: This medication is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It can improve your ability to move and decrease shakiness (tremor), stiffness, slowed movement, and unsteadiness. It may also decrease the number of episodes of not being able to move ("on-off syndrome").

Pergolide is an ergot medication that works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.

This medication has been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to safety problems (see Side Effects-heart valve problems). Do not stop taking this medication suddenly (see How To Use section). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication with food may reduce nausea. To decrease the risk of side effects (e.g., drowsiness, low blood pressure) when you first start taking pergolide, your doctor will slowly increase your dosage until the best dose for you is reached. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. If you are taking levodopa or a carbidopa/levodopa combination, your doctor may direct you to decrease your levodopa dose after you start taking pergolide. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. If you suddenly stop taking this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and hallucinations. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It may take a few weeks for you to notice the full effects of this medication.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.