Method of treatment of dopamine-related dysfunction

摘要

The present invention relates to the treatment of dopamine-related dysfunction using full D₁ dopamine receptor agonists in an intermittent dosing protocol with a short, but essential, "off-period." The D₁ agonist concentration is reduced during the "off-period" to obtain a plasma concentration of agonist that suboptimally activates D₁ dopamine receptors for a period of time to prevent induction of tolerance. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of periodically administering to a patient a full D₁ agonist with a half-life of up to about 6 hours at a dose resulting in a first plasma concentration of agonist capable of activating D₁ dopamine receptors to produce a therapeutic effect. The dose is reduced at least once every 24 hours to obtain a second lower plasma concentration of agonist that results in suboptimal activation of D₁ dopamine receptors for a period of time sufficient to prevent induction of tolerance.