Which medication is commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease?

Carbidopa-Levodopa is the primary medication used to treat Parkinson's disease, as it plays a crucial role in replenishing dopamine levels in the brain. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency in dopamine due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, effectively alleviating many of the motor symptoms associated with the disease. Carbidopa is included in this combination to prevent levodopa from being converted into dopamine outside the brain, which enhances its effectiveness and reduces side effects, such as nausea.

The other choices do not target the underlying issues of Parkinson's disease in the same manner. SSRIs are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety and have no direct effect on dopamine levels or the motor symptoms of Parkinson's. Antipsychotics can sometimes be used to manage certain psychiatric symptoms but may also exacerbate motor symptoms due to their dopamine-blocking effects. Beta-blockers are typically prescribed for cardiovascular issues and have no association with treating Parkinson's disease. Therefore, Carbidopa-Levodopa is distinctly tailored for managing the symptoms of Parkinson's and is widely recognized as the cornerstone of the pharmacological treatment for this condition.