Levodopa is the precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It passes through the blood-brain barrier and enters into the dopamine neurons, where it is rapidly converted to dopamine and compensates for its shortcomings.
What is Levodopa?
Levodopa is used in the treatment of Parkinsonism symptoms, particularly Parkinson's disease, post-encephalitic Parkinsonism and symptomatic Parkinsonism resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese.
How should Levodopa be taken?
Levodopa can be taken orally in the form of capsules or tablets. It is typically administered along with agents that inhibit its conversion to dopamine outside of the central nervous system.
Side effects associated with Levodopa
Possible side effects of Levodopa include the following:
- Falling asleep
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Anxiety
- Increased tremor of the hands
- Increased pressure
- Rapid heart rate, irregular or heavy
- Chills
- Bruxism
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Depression
- Difficulty moving the eyes
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Urination difficulties or other associated problems
- Pain, tenderness or swelling in feet or legs
- Prolonged, painful or inappropriate erections
- Fever
- Swelling of the face, feet or calves
- Incapacity or poor coordination skills
- Sore throat
- Stomach ache
- Back ache or leg pain
- General malaise
- Uncontrollable body movements
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pallor
- Dilated pupils
- Skin rash
- Excessive salivation
- Blood in the stool
- Spasms of the eyelids or increased winks
- Tiredness or weakness
- Feeling clammy
- Feeling flushed
- Changes in weight
- Vomiting with blood or lumpy material
It is important to seek medical attention in the event that treatment with Levodopa is associated with:
- Redness of the skin
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Sleep disorders
- Abdominal pains
- Flatulence
- Nightmares
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Hiccups
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle twitch
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Levodopa
Before taking levodopa, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any drug allergies
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal supplements or other drugs. Mentioning in particular active ingredients that can interact with Levodopa such as: fosphenytoin, iron dextran, isocarboxazid, methyldopa, metoclopramide, paliperidone, phenelzine, phenytoin, tetrabenazine, thiothixene, tanilciclopromina, ziprasidone, and zuclopenthixol
