Levodopa

Question 1

How it works

Answer 1

Levodopa works to replace some of a chemical that your brain is no longer able to make. This chemical is called dopamine.

This will help reduce your symptoms (rigidity and bradykinesia in particular)

Given with another drug called carbidopa. This drug stops the levodopa from being broken down before it reaches your brain.

Question 2

Timeline

Answer 2

3-4 times daily with food (reduces nausea)

Question 3

How to take

Answer 3

Tablet

Question 4

Length of treatment

Answer 4

As long as it works effectively.

After about 5 years most suffer end dose deterioration (works for shorter time) and on-off phenomena (fluctuate between severe Parkinsonism and repetitive involuntary movements)

Question 5

Effects - time before

Answer 5

Fast acting

Question 6

Tests

Answer 6

-

Question 7

Important side effects

Answer 7

Psychosis
Nausea and vomiting
Dyskinesia
Postural hypotension

BUT other drugs help with these e.g. Domperidone and selegeline

Can make urine look a reddy colour, falling asleep suddenly

Question 8

Complications and contraindications

Answer 8

End dose deterioration
On-off effects
Compulsive behaviours

Glaucoma