Which medication is typically prescribed for muscle stiffness in Parkinson disease?

Anticholinergics are commonly prescribed to help manage muscle stiffness and rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease. This class of medications works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can become imbalanced in individuals with Parkinson's. The resultant reduction in acetylcholine's effects helps to alleviate muscle stiffness, improving mobility and overall function for patients.

Other medication options, like beta-blockers, are primarily used for conditions such as hypertension and anxiety rather than specifically addressing muscle stiffness in Parkinson's. SSRIs are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, offering little benefit for motor symptoms in this context. Opioids are typically utilized for pain management and do not target the underlying motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness or rigidity. Thus, anticholinergics stand out as the most appropriate choice for addressing muscle stiffness in this condition.