Levodopa

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular combinations:

Carbilev, Madopar, Sinemet, Stalevo, Teva Carbi-Levo

Drug group:

Drug for Parkinsonism

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

• Levodopa is used to treat the involuntary movements in Parkinson’s disease
• Low doses of levodopa are used in combination with carbidopa (co-careldopa) or benserazide (co-beneldopa) - the combination enhances the effects of levodopa in the brain, whilst reducing the side effects of levodopa

How does it work?

• In Parkinson’s disease there is an absence or shortage of dopamine (a chemical messenger in the brain)
• Levodopa is transformed by the body into dopamine, resulting in better control of the abnormal movements

How should it be used?

Levodopa should be taken with food or milk

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Initially 125–500mg daily, taken 2–6 x daily
• Dose can be increased until benefits/side effects are balanced

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1 hour                  

How long will the effects last?

2–12 hours            
 

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.  

Is it safe for prolonged use?

With time, the effectiveness of Levodopa usually declines, and doses need to be increased, and hence side effects increase. Eventually, Levodopa will have to be stopped and different drugs may need to be used.

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects are dose related. At low starting doses the side effects are usually mild, but as the dosage is increased they may become more severe.

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, palpitations, dark urine, digestive disturbances, abnormal movements, nervousness, agitation, confusion, hallucinations
• Less common: dizziness, fainting, fatigue, sudden sleepiness, compulsive behaviour
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: all side effects should be discussed with your doctor as dose adjustments need to be made

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: heart/liver/kidney problems, epilepsy, glaucoma, peptic ulcer, diabetes or any other endocrine disorder, any serious mental illness
• Other medicines: antidepressant drugs (MAOIs, tricyclics), antipsychotic drugs, iron
• Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Safety not established (but the drug is not usually required)
• Children: Rarely given to patients under 25 years
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Your underlying condition, as well as the side effects of levodopa, may make such activities inadvisable
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects