Dopamine (DA) agonists represent a powerful class of pharmacological agents useful in the treatment of motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). Increasing use of DA agonists during the course of illness, ranging from initial monotherapy to adjunctive therapy with other agents, requires consideration concerning potential effects of these agents on aspects other than merely motor function. Recent anecdotal reports have questioned whether DA agonists may lead to sudden irresistible sleep and potentially disastrous consequences. This chapter reviews issues relating to DA agonist pharmacotherapy and sleep effects in other movement disorders, sleep deprivation, and driving safety in the general population, as well as effects of DA agonists on sleep and driving in PD. (A)
Abstract