Which medication is commonly used in mild Parkinson's disease for treating rigidity and tremors?

In mild Parkinson's disease, medications that are effective in controlling rigidity and tremors include anticholinergics, and benztropine is one of the mainstay choices used specifically for these symptoms. Benztropine works by blocking acetylcholine receptors in the basal ganglia, which helps to restore the balance between acetylcholine and dopamine, thus alleviating common motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity.

While levodopa/carbidopa and ropinirole can also be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, they are generally reserved for more advanced cases or for when symptoms are more pronounced. Levodopa/carbidopa is often the first-line treatment for moderate to severe symptoms since it addresses the underlying dopamine deficiency. Ropinirole, a dopamine agonist, is useful but may not be the first choice for mild disease because of its side effects and the potential for worsening of motor fluctuations over time.

Amantadine is another option that can be effective for milder cases but is often used to manage dyskinesias associated with long-term levodopa therapy rather than being the primary treatment regimen for tremors and rigidity in early-stage Parkinson's disease.

Overall, benztropine is particularly effective in addressing the