Levodopa (L-Dopa)
In 1977, George Cotzias, et al. reported a 50% increase in the
mean lifespan of rats fed very high doses of L-Dopa, the
precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. In another study in
rats, it was shown that the incidence of movement disorders among
aged rats were almost totally reversed by L-Dopa, which enabled
the rats to swim almost as well as young rats. L-Dopa is used
to treat Parkinson's disease patients, with major improvements
usually occurring for several years followed by a steep decline
in function coupled with adverse side effects. The problem with
L-Dopa as an antiaging drug is its side effects at high doses,
which include abnormal heart rhythms, movement disorders, mental
disturbances, and a greater risk of at least one type of cancer.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Levodopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease
including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement.
It also may improve your gait (walk), posture, swallowing, speech,
handwriting, vigor, alertness, and sense of well-being and may
control excess salivation and seborrhea (oily, crusty, scaly skin).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Levodopa comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. Levodopa
usually is taken several times a day. Your doctor may instruct
you to take a small amount at first and then to increase your
dose gradually to allow your body to adjust to this drug. You
may have to take levodopa for several months before you feel its
full effect. Levodopa may be taken for a long time to treat Parkinson's
disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take levodopa exactly as directed. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking levodopa suddenly without talking with your
doctor. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson=s disease
to return.
If you are unable to swallow the tablets or capsules, you may
crush the tablets or empty the contents of the capsule and mix
in fruit juice just before taking the dose.
Other uses for this medicine
Levodopa also is used occasionally to treat herpes zoster (shingles)
and restless legs syndrome. Talk with your doctor about the possible
risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking levodopa:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levodopa,
aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and
drugs), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors [phenelzine
(Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] even if you stopped taking
them in the last 2 weeks, antacids, benztropine (Cogentin),
dicyclomine (Bentyl), medications for depression such as amitriptyline
(Elavil) or imipramine (Tofranil), papaverine (Pavabid), phenytoin
(Dilantin), tranquilizers, trihexyphenidyl (Artane), vitamin
preparations with pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and other vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; skin
cancer; hormone problems; asthma; emphysema; mental illness;
diabetes; ulcers; heart attacks; irregular heartbeat; seizures;
or blood vessel, heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking levodopa,
call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking levodopa.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug
affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by
this drug.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Take levodopa with food. Avoid eating a lot of food that contains
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) such as liver, fish, whole-grain cereals,
peas, and beans.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from levodopa are common. Your urine will turn dark;
this effect is not harmful. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- difficulty in speaking
- change in sense of taste
- decreased attention span
- memory loss
- nervousness
- nightmares
- difficulty sleeping
- headaches
- weakness
- increased sweating
- fatigue
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- unusual or uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, face,
head, neck, arms, and legs
- difficulty walking, especially starting to walk ('start hesitation')
- increased shaking of the hands
- back and neck muscle spasms
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- eye pain
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk
to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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