Levodopa counselling

Question 1

Check for contraindications

Answer 1

Glaucoma

Question 2

How the treatment works

Answer 2

• 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)

Question 3

Treatment course and how it’s taken

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Monitoring required

Answer 4

None

Question 5

Side effects

Answer 5

• Psychosis
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dyskinesias
• Postural hypotension
• On-off/ wearing off phenomena
• Impulsive behaviour
• Dizziness