Gocovri
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: Gocovri
Description
GOVORI: AN OVERVIEW OF ITS USES, DOSAGE, DEMOGRAPHIC, SIDE EFFECTS, INTERACTIONS, AND GENERIC OPTIONS Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic condition that affects the parts of the brain responsible for controlling the body's movements. The primary signs of PD are tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity, and difficulty with balance and coordination. PD can also cause cognitive and emotional changes, such as mood swings and depression. There is no cure for PD, but medications can help manage symptoms. One such medication is Gocovri (amantadine extended-release), which was approved by the FDA in 2017. Uses: Gocovri is used to treat dyskinesia, a condition characterized by uncontrollable movements such as twitching, shaking, or jerking. Dyskinesia is a side effect of levodopa, which is the most common medication used to treat PD. Gocovri is recommended for PD patients who have been taking levodopa for an extended period and are experiencing dyskinesia during the "on" period, when the medication is effective. Dosage: Gocovri comes in extended-release capsules of 68.5 mg, 137 mg, and 274 mg. The recommended starting dose is 137 mg once daily at bedtime. The dosage can be increased to 274 mg after a week if needed. However, the maximum daily dose is 274 mg. Gocovri should not be crushed or chewed, and the capsules should be swallowed whole. Demographic: Gocovri is recommended for PD patients who have been taking levodopa for an extended period and are experiencing dyskinesia during the "on" period, when the medication is effective. Gocovri is not suitable for PD patients who are not taking levodopa or who do not experience dyskinesia. Gocovri is also not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment or who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) unless they are undergoing dialysis. Side Effects: The most common side effects of Gocovri are hallucinations, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, falls, and peripheral edema. Gocovri can also cause severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Parkinson's patients taking Gocovri may also experience a worsening of PD symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Interactions: Gocovri can interact with other medications, such as antihistamines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers. Gocovri can also interact with alcohol, causing increased dizziness and drowsiness. PD patients taking Gocovri should inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Generic Options: Amantadine is the generic form of Gocovri. It is available as an immediate-release tablet, extended-release capsule, and oral solution. Amantadine immediate-release tablets are not recommended for PD patients to treat dyskinesia because of their short duration of action. Amantadine extended-release capsules are a better treatment option for PD patients experiencing dyskinesia during the "on" period. Conclusion: Gocovri is a medication used to treat dyskinesia in PD patients taking levodopa. Gocovri's extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing and reduces the risk of side effects associated with immediate-release amantadine. However, Gocovri can cause side effects such as hallucinations, dizziness, and dry mouth. PD patients taking Gocovri should inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Amantadine is the generic form of Gocovri and is available as an extended-release capsule or oral solution.
Faq for Gocovri
Gocovri is a medication that contains amantadine, and it is used to treat dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Gocovri is believed to work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps to reduce the intensity and frequency of dyskinesia episodes in Parkinson's disease patients.
Dyskinesia refers to the involuntary and abnormal movements that can occur as a side effect of long-term treatment with levodopa, which is commonly used in Parkinson's disease management.
Clinical studies have shown that Gocovri significantly reduces the severity and duration of dyskinesia episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The most common side effects associated with Gocovri include hallucinations, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, falls, and swelling in the legs or feet.
Gocovri is usually taken once daily in the morning with or without food. The dosage is determined by the healthcare provider based on individual patient needs.
Yes, Gocovri can be used in combination with other Parkinson's disease medications, such as levodopa or dopamine agonists, to manage dyskinesia.
Individual response to Gocovri may vary, but it typically starts working within a few weeks. It is important to be patient and continue taking the medication as prescribed to achieve optimal results.
Gocovri dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with moderate to severe kidney impairment. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for such patients.
Gocovri is an FDA-approved medication used to treat dyskinesia, a side effect of Parkinson's disease.
Yes, Gocovri has been shown in clinical studies to significantly reduce dyskinesia episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Gocovri is usually taken once daily at bedtime. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Common side effects of Gocovri include dizziness, hallucinations, constipation, dry mouth, and swelling in the legs or feet. However, not everyone experiences these side effects, and they may vary from person to person.
Gocovri can be taken alongside other Parkinson's medications, but it is important to consult your doctor to ensure there are no potential drug interactions.
Gocovri is not approved for use in individuals under 18 years of age. Its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
The safety of Gocovri during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not known. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.