Substance of abuse and movement disorders: complex interactions and comorbidities

Curr Drug Abuse Rev. 2012 Sep;5(3):243-53. doi: 10.2174/1874473711205030243.

Abstract

The relationship between movement disorders and substance abuse, which we previously reviewed, is updated. We examine these relationships bidirectionally with focus on drugs of abuse that are known to cause movement disorders, as well as primary movement disorders that are associated with use and abuse of alcohol and dopaminergic medications. First, we review the movement disorders that may develop from the acute use or withdrawal of frequent drugs of abuse, including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, amphetamine and methcathinone. We then comment on the interaction between alcoholism and alcohol-responsive movement disorders, such as essential tremor and myoclonus-dystonia. Lastly, we discuss the potential for abuse of antiparkinsonian dopaminergic agents in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Animals
  • Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Dopamine Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Agents / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Movement Disorders / etiology*
  • Movement Disorders / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Dopamine Agents
  • Dopamine