From the FDA Drug Label
Rasagiline tablets, a monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitor (MAOI), is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease Rationale for the Use of a Selective Monoamine Oxidase Type B Inhibitor in Parkinson’s disease ... MAO-B inhibition may be useful in this setting because, by blocking the catabolism of dopamine, it would increase the net amount of dopamine available
The mechanism of action of MAOIs, such as rasagiline and selegiline, in the treatment of Parkinson's disease is through the inhibition of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), which blocks the catabolism of dopamine and increases the net amount of dopamine available in the brain 1, 2. This increase in dopamine levels helps to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Key points:
- MAO-B inhibition increases dopamine availability
- Increased dopamine levels help alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms
- MAOIs, such as rasagiline and selegiline, are used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease 1
From the Research
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) play a crucial role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease by selectively inhibiting MAO-B, an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain, thereby increasing dopamine availability and improving motor symptoms. The primary MAOIs used for Parkinson's are selegiline and rasagiline, which work by preventing dopamine degradation and allowing more dopamine to remain available in the brain 3.
Key Points
- MAOIs are often used as adjunctive therapy alongside levodopa, particularly when patients begin experiencing "wearing-off" effects between levodopa doses 4.
- They can extend levodopa's effectiveness and may allow for lower levodopa dosages, potentially reducing side effects 5.
- When starting MAOIs, patients should be aware of possible side effects including nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth 6.
- Unlike non-selective MAOIs used for depression, the selective MAO-B inhibitors used for Parkinson's generally don't require dietary restrictions at therapeutic doses, making them easier to manage in daily life 7.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of MAOIs in the treatment of Parkinson's disease involves the selective inhibition of MAO-B, which leads to an increase in dopamine levels in the brain 3. This increase in dopamine levels helps to improve motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremors 4.
Recent Developments
Recent studies have shown that MAOIs may also have potential neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects, although more research is needed to fully understand their role in Parkinson's disease treatment 7.