Gocovri is a drug approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in 2018. It’s also known as pramoxine or VSR305 and it has its own set of side effects that are often difficult to manage. If you start taking gocovri for your Parkinson’s, there is a possibility that you will feel some side effects right away. This happens because gocovri is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that improves tremors by increasing blood flow to the hands and arms, while reducing sweating in the same area.
The good news is that these side effects go away after a few weeks of using gocovri but in case they persist, consult your doctor about how to proceed with the treatment. Read on to know more about gocovri side effects and dosage.
What is Gocovri?
Gocovri is a drug approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in 2018. It’s also known as pramoxine or VSR305 and it has its own set of side effects that are often difficult to manage. Gocovri is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that improves tremors by increasing blood flow to the hands and arms, while reducing sweating in the same area.
It’s a drug that has been available for over 50 years and is approved for treating allergic reactions, itching, anxiety disorders, and many other conditions. Gocovri is a skin patch that releases the drug slowly into the skin every 12 hours. You can also choose to apply gocovri cream on your skin instead.
Gocovri side effects are typically seen in the first few weeks of treatment. They include tremors and shaking, dizziness and balance issues, dry mouth, smelling loss, confusion, drowsiness, constipation or urinary retention. Gocovri has a unique set of side effects that are different from dopamine agonists like ropinirole or pramipexole, as it works on alpha-adrenergic receptors, while the others target dopamine receptors. Gocovri side effects are most commonly seen in the first 2 weeks of using the drug, after which they subside. However, in case they persist, inform your doctor immediately so that you don’t end up withdrawing the drug and compromising on your treatment.
- Tremors and Shaking
Tremors are a common side effect of taking gocovri and they typically go away after one or two weeks. You can also try wearing rubber-soled shoes, and avoid situations that put you under stress. You can also try relaxation exercises like yoga or meditation. If the tremors are severe, your doctor may prescribe a different medication. Gocovri side effects related to tremors include shaking, trembling of the hands and problems with writing or doing other activities that require fine motor skills.
- Dizziness and Balance Issues
Gocovri side effects can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or problems with balance. This is usually seen when you first start taking the drug or when you increase your dosage. You can minimize these side effects by lying down or sitting down as soon as you feel symptoms coming on. Make sure you are hydrated, since a lack of fluids can also cause dizziness. Gocovri side effects related to dizziness include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
- Dry Mouth and Smelling Loss
Gocovri side effects include a dry mouth and reduced sense of smell. These are the two most common side effects of gocovri and are usually seen in the first 2 weeks of treatment. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications. You can manage it by drinking more water and avoiding sugary drinks. Some people use artificial saliva or gum to help combat dry mouth.
- Confusion and Drowsiness
Gocovri side effects can include confusion and drowsiness, although these side effects usually go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience confusion, drowsiness, or memory loss that disrupts your daily activities for a long time, call your doctor. Drowsiness is a common side effect of many drugs, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and beta-blockers. Certain people may be more likely to experience drowsiness, such as older adults, children, and people taking multiple medications.
- Constipation and Urinary Retention
Gocovri side effects include constipation and urinary retention. Constipation is when you have fewer than three bowel movements each week. Urinary retention is when your bladder isn’t able to empty completely. These side effects happen when you first start taking the drug. You can prevent them by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and drinking more water.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Short Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. The condition leads to the death of neurons that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, movement, mood, and attention span. The loss of dopamine affects the nervous system, which controls all bodily functions. As a result, you may experience any of the following symptoms: –
- Tremors
- Shaking in hands, legs, or other parts of the body
- Slowness of movement
- Difficulty with walking, speaking, and performing day-to-day tasks
- Problems with balance
- Getting dizzy or having falls
- Lack of focus
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, and falling asleep
- Change in mood
- Depression or mood swings
- Problems with the digestive system
- Constipation, nausea, or vomiting
- Sweating
- Excessive sweating or feeling hot even when the surroundings are cool
Conclusion: Gocovri: Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Gocovri is a drug approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in 2018. It’s also known as pramoxine or VSR305 and it has its own set of side effects that are often difficult to manage. Gocovri is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that improves tremors by increasing blood flow to the hands and arms, while reducing sweating in the same area. The good news is that these side effects go away after a few weeks of using gocovri but in case they persist, inform your doctor immediately so that you don’t end up withdrawing the drug and compromising on your treatment.