Final answer:
To treat drug-induced parkinsonism, avoiding dopamine antagonists is key. Preferred treatments include L-DOPA to increase dopamine levels and monoamine oxidase inhibitors to prevent breakdown of neurotransmitters. Close monitoring is needed due to potential side effects and the personalization of treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
To treat drug-induced parkinsonism, it is important to avoid dopamine antagonist medications, as they could worsen the condition. Instead, medications like L-DOPA, which is a precursor to dopamine and can cross the blood-brain barrier, are used to boost dopamine levels in the brain.
Additionally, drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase, such as selegiline (Emsam), can prevent the breakdown of dopamine. However, care must be taken as long-term treatment with L-DOPA can lead to L-DOPA induced dyskinesia.
Drugs targeted at specific subunits of the NMDA receptor, like compounds targeted to the NR2B subunit, may reduce side effects but have mixed outcomes in human trials. Therefore, the treatment of drug-induced parkinsonism must be personalized and carefully managed.