Levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
A. H. V. Schapira1, M. Emre2, P. Jenner3, W. Poewe4Article first published online: 15 JUN 2009


Publication History
Issue published online: 7 AUG 2009


Keywords:catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor;dopamine;dopamine agonist;levodopa;monoamine oxidase B inhibitor;Parkinson’s disease

There are reservations about the long-term use of levodopa, most particularly in the context of its propensity to induce motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. Strategies exist to delay or diminish these complications, but the physician must lay the basis for these in the selection of drugs for early treatment and the sequence of drugs introduced subsequently. Levodopa efficacy and duration of effect may be enhanced by combination with a catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor. Maintaining good motor function and quality of life remain the primary goals of therapy...




As someone who is beginning to experience the dark side of levodopa, I found this of interest...any comments/reactions would be very much appreciated.

Sasha