Side effects of levodopa

Levodopa

A medication Levodopa is used in treatment of Parkinson's disease. Patients with Parkinson's disease have decreased levels of dopamine in the brain and Levodopa enhances the level of this substance. Levodopa reduces the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, stiffness, and spasms of the muscles. This medication can also be used in treatment of similar muscle conditions which are not a consequence of Parkinson's disease. You must inform your doctor about any medications that you take because Levodopa cannot be combined with certain medications. Also inform your doctor about any additional health problems such as skin cancer, glaucoma, ulcer, cardiovascular disease, lung problems, problems with hormones, problems with liver or kidneys, or you suffer from some kind of mental illness. In any of these cases, the treatment would have to be adjusted.

Side Effects

Levodopa has a number of side effects, but only some of the patients will have them. Some of the serious side effects of Levodopa may include irregular pulse, tension in the chest, constant sickness followed by too much vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and mood changes such as depression or even suicidal tendencies. You may also experience movements of the arm, legs, face, mouth, eyelids and neck which you cannot control. There are also side effects of Levodopa which are not considered to be severe. Such side effects include loss of appetite, mild sickness, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, impaired vision, tremors, muscle cramps, sleeping disorders especially insomnia, nightmares, dizziness, faintness, mental changes such as anxiety, confusion or agitation, changes in urine color and tiredness.

Overdose and Allergic Reaction

If you feel sick, fainting, weak or unusually nervous, or you have diarrhea, hallucinations or muscle cramps, or if you vomit, you probably overdosed with Levodopa. Call you doctor as soon as you experience any of the overdose or allergic reaction symptoms. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to Levodopa include swelling of the mouth, tongue or face, breathing difficulties, skin irritation and swelling of the throat.

Safety Measures

Since Levodopa can cause dizziness or faintness, you should be careful while driving and while operating dangerous equipment. If you are pregnant or you are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor regarding the treatment with Levodopa because it is unknown whether it is damaging to the baby. You should follow the instructions from your doctor about the treatment and dose of Levodopa. Do not take vitamin supplements which have vitamin B6 because this vitamin can decrease the efficiency of Levodopa.