What is Levodopa?
Levodopa (L-Dopa) is the most effective and widely used drug in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is an inhibitor of L-amino acid decarboxylase, the plasma enzyme that metabolizes levodopa peripherally and is commonly combined with levodopa.
Uses of Levodopa
The combination medication is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and its symptoms, such as
- Shakiness
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving
It increases dopamine levels in the brain, compensating for dopamine deficiency, a key factor in Parkinson's disease.
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Get A Second OpinionSide Effects of Levodopa
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Mouth and throat pain
- Constipation
- Change in sense of taste
- Confusion
- Nervousness
- Nightmares
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Headache
- Increased sweating
- Chest pain
- Depression
- Hallucinating
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Hives
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Red blood in stools
- Fever
Precautions Before Taking Medicine
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have:
- Allergies
- Liver disease
- Glaucoma
- Breathing problems
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Stomach/intestinal ulcer
- Mental/mood disorders
- Blood disorders
- Seizures or sleep disorders
Use levodopa during pregnancy and breastfeeding only when necessary and under a doctor's prescription.
Avoid alcohol consumption.
How to use Levodopa?
Interactions
- Antipsychotic drugs (such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and thioridazine), as well as certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure, may interact with this medication.
- Using MAO inhibitors in conjunction with this medication may result in a serious drug interaction. Most MAO inhibitors should also be avoided for two weeks before starting this medication. Certain MAO inhibitors may be used with caution under the supervision of your doctor. Consult your doctor.
- This medication may cause false test results in certain laboratory tests (including urine catecholamine/glucose/ketone tests).
Overdose
- If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Missed Dose
- It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time.
- If you forget a dose, contact your doctor as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage Instructions
- The medicine must not come in contact with heat, air, or light, which may damage your medicines.
- The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children’s reach.
Levodopa vs Carbidopa
| Levodopa | Carbidopa |
|---|---|
| This belongs to a class of drugs known as central nervous system agents. | Carbidopa is from a class of drugs known as decarboxylase inhibitors. |
| This is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease symptoms (such as shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). | Carbidopa is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease that inhibits the peripheral metabolism of levodopa. |
| It works in the brain by being converted to dopamine. | It prevents the breakdown of levodopa before reaching the brain. |
Citations
Levodopa and the Progression of Parkinson's Disease | NEJM Double‐blind trial of levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone versus levodopa/carbidopa in early Parkinson's disease - Hauser - 2009 - Movement Disorders - Wiley Online LibraryReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Levodopa and carbidopa are used together to treat Parkinson's disease, which can develop after encephalitis (brain swelling) or a nervous system injury caused by carbon monoxide or manganese poisoning.
Initially, when you take levodopa, you notice an immediate improvement in your Parkinson's symptoms that lasts all day. Because your medication effectively replenishes dopamine levels in your brain for several hours, most people get effective symptom control with three doses per day.
To treat any anxiety that occurs during medication off times, adjust the carbidopa-levodopa regimen. Medications used to treat depression, as previously described, usually work well for anxiety.
There is no consistent evidence that any of the medications currently used to treat Parkinson's disease are effective. However, some research indicates that dopamine agonists may have antidepressant properties in Parkinson's disease.
If the patient's symptoms do not improve while taking levodopa, they are most likely suffering from another neurological condition.
Yes, carbidopa-levodopa can help improve walking in individuals with Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which can alleviate symptoms such as stiffness and difficulty in movement.
Foods high in protein should be avoided when taking levodopa, as they can interfere with its absorption.
Levodopa increases dopamine levels in the brain, compensating for dopamine deficiency in conditions like Parkinson's disease, which helps alleviate symptoms like tremors and stiffness.
