Levodopa counselling Flashcards
1
Q
Check for contraindications
A
Glaucoma
2
Q
How the treatment works
A
- Levodopa is a replacement for some of the dopamine which your brain is no longer able to produce
- This will help to reduce your symptoms, particularly your rigidity and slow movements
- Given with carbidopa (inhibits peripheral levodopa degeneration)
3
Q
Treatment course and how it’s taken
A
- 3-4 times daily tablet with food (reduces nausea)
- Taken as long as it works effectively - after 5 years most suffer ‘on/off, ‘wearing off’ phenomena (switch between mobility and immobility that occurs before the next dose is due after prolonged levodopa use) and dyskinesias
- Fast-acting
4
Q
Monitoring required
A
None
5
Q
Side effects
A
- Psychosis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dyskinesias
- Postural hypotension
- On-off/ wearing off phenomena
- Impulsive behaviour
- Dizziness