Ask the MD: Myths about Levodopa

Questions about the Parkinson’s drug levodopa are common: When should I start it? Does it cause involuntary movement (dyskinesia)? Will it stop working eventually?

More than 50 years after its FDA approval, levodopa remains the most common and effective medication for Parkinson’s. And yet, misconceptions — about how the drug works, what symptoms it treats, or which side effects it has — are widespread. Knowing the facts can help you make the best treatment decision for you and your symptoms.

Watch the video to learn more and get answers to common questions about levodopa. And to contribute your experience to research — whether you have Parkinson's or not — join MJFF's Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). https://www.michaeljfox.org/PPMI

The "Ask the MD" series is intended as an educational resource for people with Parkinson's and their loved ones. Please consult with your personal healthcare provider to address individual medical questions.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today. https://www.michaeljfox.org

We gratefully acknowledge the Steering Committee members of our Patient Disease Education Consortium in conjunction with The Albert B. Glickman Parkinson’s Disease Education Program, whose sponsorship allows us to create and distribute materials, while preserving our track record of efficiency in stewarding donor-raised contributions for maximum impact on Parkinson’s drug development. Sponsorship support does not influence MJFF’s content perspective or panelist selection.

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