acetylcholine (Acetylcholine) - a neurotransmitter in the brain that works in balance with dopamine, in transmitting messages between nerve cells in the brain as well as between the nerve and the muscles in the entire body, to allow us to make coordinated movements.

amino acids (amino acids) - organic elements that are the basic elements of proteins.

Anticholinergic drugs (anticholinergic drugs) - a group of drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, and work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, thereby facilitating the activity of dopamine cells in the brain.

benserazide (benzarazide) - the medicine Levopar contains two ingredients: levodopa and benzarazide. Benzerazide prevents levodopa from turning into dopamine before it reaches the brain.

carbidopa (Carbidopa) - The drugs Dupiker and Sinemat CR contain the ingredients levodopa and carbidopa, the carbidopa prevents levodopa from turning into dopamine, before it reaches the brain.

COMT inhibitors (COMT enzyme inhibitors) – a new class of drugs that works by blocking an enzyme called Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase (COMT), which turns levodopa into an inactive substance. As a result, these drugs slow down the destruction of levodopa.

Dopamine (dopamine) - transmits chemical messages, created by cells in the brain. It works in balance with acetylcholine in transmitting messages from the brain to other parts of the body, and especially to those involved in the coordination of movements.

dopamine agonists (dopamine agonists) - drugs that directly stimulate the areas of the brain where dopamine works.

dyskinesias (involuntary movements) - abnormal movements that affect any part of the body. caused by treatment with certain antiparkinsonian drugs.

e (enzyme) - groups of complex proteins formed by living cells, and act as catalysts (catalysts) in specific biochemical reactions.

generic – When several old drugs are no longer protected by patent, they can be "copied" a little cheaper as a generic version. Generic versions of drugs are subject to the same strict quality requirements as the original branded drugs.

levodopa (levodopa) - a natural amino acid that the brain turns into dopamine.

Monotherapy - Using only one drug to treat a certain health condition. For example: levodopa in Parkinson's disease. These drugs can also be used in combination with other drugs.

ON / OFF - a term used to describe the sudden and unpredictable changes in movement ability of severe Parkinson's patients treated with levodopa. In the "ON" state they are able to move, while in the "OFF" state they can be in a state of inability to move. They can switch from one state to another within a very short period of time - minutes or even seconds.

side effect (side effects) - any unwanted effect caused by a drug.

subcutaneous (subcutaneous) - under the skin.

"wearing-off" effect(The effect of finishing the effect of the drug) - this phenomenon is experienced by many Parkinson's patients who have been ill for a long time. The duration of the effect of one dose of the drug treatment decreases, so that it "ends" before the next dose is due