Carbidopa/levodopa is the mainstay of treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is currently the most effective medication available for PD. Over time, many formulations of this medication have been developed which can make it confusing for people who are trying to understand which version of the medication is best for them. These APDA resources can help you better understand what this medication is, why it works, the different formulations available, and much more.
- Exploring the Variations of Carbidopa/Levodopa, The Mainstay of Parkinson’s Disease Treatment: Carbidopa/levodopa was discovered in the 1960s. Over the years research has fine-tuned the medication through various strengths and delivery systems giving people with PD more options to find what works best for them. But so many options can make it confusing! Here, Dr. Gilbert describes the various levodopa formulations, along with the rationale for using each one.
- Dr. Gilbert Hosts: The Many Forms of Carbidopa/Levodopa: In this episode of Dr. Gilbert Hosts, special guest Dr. Eleni Okeanis Vaou outlines the formulations of carbidopa/levodopa available, how doctors decide which formulation is best for you, when to ask your doctor for a change in medication, the differences in newer extended release capsules of carbidopa/levodopa vs. older versions, subcutaneous levodopa, and much more. One of our Stanford team members attended this webinar and took notes, which are posted on our blog.
- Understanding the Different Forms of Carbidopa/Levodopa, Additional Questions Answered: In this article we answer the questions we didn’t have time to get to in the above episode of Dr. Gilbert Hosts. Dr. Gilbert addresses whether carbidopa/levodopa treats balance issues and difficulty walking or speech difficulties, whether muscle cramps can be a side effect, and more.
- Five Myths About Levodopa: There are many myths that surround the use of levodopa that make some people hesitant to start taking it even after their doctor recommends it. To clarify some of the confusion and misinformation, APDA presents five myths that often circulate in the PD community about levodopa and tries to explain the reality behind them.
- Carbidopa/Levodopa and its relationship to Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12: The FDA recently announced that manufacturers of levodopa products are required to add a warning that levodopa can lead to Vitamin B6 deficiency. This article explains how carbidopa/levodopa may cause Vitamin B6, as well as Vitamin B12, deficiency, what the potential consequences are, and what can be done to correct the problem.
Remember, every person is different, their symptoms are different and their PD progression is different. What works for one person may not be a good fit for another. Never hesitate to ask your doctor about your treatment. Also, if you are currently taking carbidopa/levodopa and feel that your current dosage is no longer working as effectively as before, be sure to consult your neurologist to determine if there is a new formulation that may benefit you.