Levodopa-induced dyskinesias have been associated with irregular oscillatory discharge characteristics of basal ganglia. From the other hand, LEV which shares a different electrophysiologic profile than other antiepileptics, inhibits hyper-synchronization of abnormal neuronal firing in experimental models of epilepsy. LEV also reduces levodopa-induced dyskinesias in MPTP-lesioned macaques and modulates "priming phenomenon" which associated with long-term changes in synaptic function that can lead to dyskinesias in PD. Study objectives : * To evaluate the effects of levetiracetam (LEV) in two doses (500 and 1000mg) vs placebo on disabling dyskinesias that develop as result of long-term treatment with levodopa, occurring at the time of maximal clinical improvement in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). * To evaluate the safety of LEV in patients with PD and antiparkinsonian medication.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
50
500mg (2 tabl of 250) for one week and 1000mg (4 tabl of 250) for one week
Placebo tabl
Department of Neurology, 1st Hospital of Social Security Services
Athens, Greece
Percent change of "on with levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID)" time from patient diaries
Time frame: 24 hours
Percent change of "on without dyskinesias" and "off" time from patient diaries. Changes in severity and duration of LID according to the UPDRS , Schwab & England scale and also Goetz dyskinesia scale after a levodopa challenge dose.
Time frame: 24 hours
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