Parkinson's Medications: Medications for Insomnia (2020)

In this webinar, Pharmacist Amy Tran highlighted insomnia as the primary non-motor symptom experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease. She detailed its impact, characterized by sleep difficulties leading to daytime fatigue. Amy discussed various causes of insomnia in Parkinson's, encompassing brain changes and medication side effects.

Management strategies, predominantly non-drug measures like maintaining sleep schedules and daytime exercise, were recommended. She also covered medications for improving sleep, advising caution and consultation with healthcare professionals before their use. Additionally, Amy discussed sedating medications, including their dosages, side effects, and potential risks, stressing the importance of discussing options with doctors to avoid interactions and herbal remedies' dependence.

She also addressed concerns surrounding natural health products, their safety, potential risks like increased blood pressure and bleeding, and advised consulting pharmacists for checking interactions and ensuring optimal usage of sleep medications.

View the video slides accompanying this presentation by clicking here.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**