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Levodopa
 Levodopa is the precursor required by the brain to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the nervous system). People with Parkinson’s disease have depleted levels of dopamine. Levodopa is used to increase dopamine in the brain, which reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa is broken down by the body before it reaches the brain. To avoid this, levodopa is used with carbidopa, a drug that protects levodopa from breakdown. Levodopa is available alone or in a combination product. Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence. Related Levodopa Articles: Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. The Aisle7 knowledgebase does not contain every possible interaction. Learn more about Aisle7, the company. Learn more about the authors of RxAnswers. The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013. Share Levodopa:
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May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—This medication may deplete these substances from the body or interfere with how they work; extra intake may help replenish them.
Avoid: Reduces drug effectiveness—When taking this medication, avoid these substances as they may decrease the medication's absorption and/or activity in the body.
Check: Explanation needed—When taking this medication, read the article details and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these substances.