In our soon-to-launch video series “The More You Know”, movement disorder specialists sit down with us on video to explain each FDA approved Parkinson’s medication and surgical treatment. In this series we ask the question, “What do you tell a patient when you prescribe this treatment?”
This week neurologist Mindy Bixby, DO of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, CA takes a deeper look at Mirapex, generic name pramipexole. Mirapex is in a class of Parkinson’s drugs called dopamine agonists. Dopamine agonists sit on the same receptors as dopamine, and while they are chemically different from dopamine, they essentially do the same job. They can have serious side effects in some people, but are an important option in a medication regimen. Hear more straight from Dr. Bixby by clicking the below video.
Mindy Bixby, DO, is a neurologist and movement disorder specialist who cares for patients at all levels of neurological disease. She uses a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical management and physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Dr. Bixby is affiliated with the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Institute in Fountain Valley, CA and treats patients with a wide range of neurological diseases. She has a special interest in movement disorders, Parkinson’s, essential tremor, atypical Parkinson’s, dystonia, ataxia, and spasticity. Dr. Bixby received her Doctorate of Osteopathy from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in California. She completed her residency in neurology at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Bixby remained at Georgetown-National Rehabilitation Hospital for her fellowship in Neurorehabilitation and completed a second fellowship in Movement Disorders at Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Bixby has received intensive training in deep brain stimulation, botulinum toxin injections, and the medical management of Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders.
tHE MED INFO IS VALUABLE, EVEN MORE MAK E A RECORDING FOR EVERY TEN OR SO MED PRESENTATION AND PUT THAT OUT
My Drs started my PD treatment with Mirapex. At the time I was diagnosed my symptoms were: Mini-handwriting, pain to rt shoulder, right arm hanging, rt leg dragging, and balance issues. I started Mirapex and about a month later my life turned 360. My handwriting came back, pain in the shoulder gone, my leg started functioning again. I was a new person. After 2 years of PT, dr visits you name it. This pill brought me back. Yes, Mirapex can cause you to have compulsive behavior. Luckily for me, the only one I had was going into my walk-in closet and folding my clothes for hours. My husband was a little annoyed and worried until one day when he said, are you in there again? I said yes and not to worry. After that, we came to an agreement that it was just something he would ignore. I was diagnosed in 2010 and now 2021 I’m still going strong. I have good and bad days of course. My compulsive folding has pretty much stopped. one thing I know for sure if my dr tries to take away my Mirapex, they’re in big trouble. Just wanted to share my experience. Thanks. SEB, facilitator, Women Going Forward support group for women