Methods and compositions for reduction of side effects of therapeutic treatments

Abstract

The invention provides compositions and methods utilizing a nicotinic receptor modulator, e.g., to reduce or eliminate a side effect associated with dopaminergic agent treatment. In some embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods utilizing a combination of a dopaminergic agent and a nicotinic receptor modulator that reduces or eliminates a side effect associated with dopaminergic agent treatment.

1 - 52 . (canceled) 
   
   
       53 . A solid pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising nicotine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein nicotine is present at about 0.01 to about 2.8 mg. 
   
   
       54 . The composition of  claim 53  wherein said composition is capable of decreasing a side effect of a dopaminergic agent at least about 30% when the composition is administered to an animal. 
   
   
       55 . The composition of  claim 54  wherein said composition is capable of being administered to an individual when a dopaminergic agent is administered to an individual. 
   
   
       56 . The composition of  claim 54  wherein the release of nicotine from said pharmaceutical composition is capable of reducing said side effect. 
   
   
       57 . The composition of  claim 53  wherein said composition comprises nicotine in a liquid or gel inside a capsule. 
   
   
       58 - 152 . (canceled) 
   
   
       153 . The composition of  claim 53  further comprising a dopaminergic agent. 
   
   
       154 . The composition of  claim 153  wherein the dopaminergic agent is selected from the group consisting of levodopa, bromocriptine, pergolide, pramipexole, cabergoline, ropinorole, apomorphine or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       155 . The composition of  claim 154  wherein the dopaminergic agent is levodopa. 
   
   
       156 . The composition of  claim 153  wherein the effective amount of the dopaminergic agent is 0.05 to 5 grams. 
   
   
       157 . The composition of  claim 153  wherein the composition is in solid form and comprises 40-800 milligrams levodopa and 0.1 to 2.8 milligrams nicotine.