Medication Management for Agitation in Parkinson's Disease

First-Line Treatment: Atypical Antipsychotics

• The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends an initial dosage of quetiapine at 12.5 mg twice daily, which can be titrated up to a maximum of 200 mg twice daily, for treating agitation in Parkinson's disease patients 1
• Typical antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, fluphenazine, and thiothixene, should be avoided in Parkinson's disease patients as they block dopamine receptors and significantly worsen motor symptoms, according to the American family physician 1

Medications to Avoid or Use with Caution

• Benzodiazepines should be used cautiously in elderly Parkinson's disease patients due to the risk of cognitive impairment, falls, and paradoxical agitation, as noted by the American family physician 1