Indications
Levodopa is the main medicine for Parkinson’s disease, a condition that causes shaking, stiffness and slow movement. It is almost always given combined with Carbidopa or Benserazide, which help more of it reach the brain and reduce sickness. It is also used for some other movement disorders on specialist advice.
How It Works
In Parkinson’s disease the brain lacks dopamine, a chemical messenger that controls movement. Levodopa is changed into dopamine in the brain, which improves movement, stiffness and shaking.
Dosage and Administration
The doctor sets the dose for each person and builds it up slowly over several weeks, so take it exactly as prescribed. It is usually taken three or more times a day at regular times. Taking it 30 minutes before meals helps it work, but it can be taken with a small snack if it causes sickness. Large high-protein meals can reduce its effect. Do not stop it or change the dose suddenly.
Interactions
Do not take it with non-selective MAO inhibitors (such as Phenelzine); these must be stopped at least 14 days before. Antipsychotic medicines (such as Haloperidol and Risperidone) and Metoclopramide can block its effect. Iron tablets reduce its absorption, so take them at a different time. Blood pressure medicines may cause low blood pressure. High-dose Pyridoxine reduces the effect of levodopa only when it is taken without Carbidopa or Benserazide.
Contraindications
- Allergy to levodopa or any ingredient of the product.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Use of a non-selective MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days.
- Suspicious, undiagnosed skin lesions or a history of melanoma (skin cancer).
Side Effects
Common: nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness when standing up, sleepiness, uncontrolled twisting or jerking movements (dyskinesia), vivid dreams, and darker urine or sweat (harmless).
Get urgent medical help if you have: hallucinations, severe confusion or paranoia; sudden sleep attacks during the day; chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat; black stools or vomiting blood; high fever, stiff muscles and confusion (especially after the dose is cut or stopped); fainting; or swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing. Also tell the doctor about new urges you cannot control, such as gambling, shopping, eating or sexual urges.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information about use in pregnancy; use only if the doctor decides it is needed. It can reduce milk supply and passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is usually not advised during treatment.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell the doctor if you have heart, lung, liver, kidney or hormone disease, a stomach ulcer, glaucoma, depression or other mental health problems. Do not drive or use machines if you feel sleepy or have had sudden sleep attacks. Regular check-ups are needed during long-term treatment.
Overdose
Overdose can cause severe involuntary movements, agitation, confusion, a fast or irregular heartbeat and changes in blood pressure. Seek emergency medical help at once.
Therapeutic Class
Antiparkinson medicine (dopamine precursor).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.