Combined bromocriptine-levodopa therapy early in Parkinson's disease.

Compared with levodopa, treatment of parkinsonism for 3 years with bromocriptine alone resulted in less fluctuation and peak-dose dyskinesia, but also less improvement in parkinsonian disability. Only a few of the 76 patients had long-term benefit on chronic bromocriptine therapy. However, combined bromocriptine and levodopa therapy had a therapeutic response equal to that of levodopa alone, with fewer fluctuations and peak-dose dyskinesias. Treatment should begin with a low dose of levodopa and a dopamine agonist.