Discontinuation or acute unplanned cessation of oral dopaminergic medications in persons with Parkinson's disease: A practice review

Planned discontinuation or acute unplanned cessation of oral dopaminergic medications might result in a severe relapse of Parkinson's symptoms or, sporadically, in life-limiting withdrawal syndromes. Unplanned cessation may occur due to dysphagia or decreased alertness, amongst other reasons. Planned acute discontinuation occurs during surgery or a medical necessity for a ‘nil per os’ policy (such as hospitalizations for gastrointestinal diseases). Non-oral alternatives are available, such as transdermal rotigotine, subcutaneous apomorphine, and levodopa delivered subcutaneously or via an enteral tube. Selecting the best treatment can be difficult and should be based upon clinical considerations, patient preference and be tailored to the care setting. These considerations will differ during the course of disease. For example, more invasive treatment options can be considered in hospitalized persons with early to moderate-stage disease, whereas symptomatic palliative treatments are more appropriate towards the end of life. Here, we discuss several practical considerations for three, partially overlapping, but conceptually distinct moments at which acute discontinuation or cessation events occur: during hospitalization (including surgery), late-stage disease and end of life. We stress the need for prevention and early advance care planning and present a stepwise pharmacological approach to address unplanned acute cessation or planned discontinuation.