L-DOPA Uses for Parkinson’s, Libido & Recreational Use

L-DOPA uses include treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Those with Parkinson’s have lower levels of the neurotransmitter called dopamine as well as fewer dopamine receptors in the brain.

Dopamine is a catecholamine which plays a role in controlling movement, regulating mood and executive function. High levels of dopamine are associated with the pleasure response and reward cycle.

L-DOPA is the precursor chemical to dopamine, and is also known as Levodopa. Levodopa is converted into dopamine inside the brain and is synthesized from the amino acid L-Tyrosine.

Oral administration of Levodopa can increase inner-brain levels of dopamine, slowing down the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease. L-Dopa is also used as a sexual performance aid, mood enhancer and bodybuilding supplement. However, long-term use of this compound is not recommended and high doses may cause negative side effects.

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L-DOPA Uses for Parkinson’s Disease

L-DOPA uses include treating the spasms, tremors, impaired muscle control and stiffness that mark Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa can also be used to treat symptoms caused by certain drugs; including Prolixin (fluphenazine), Thorazine (chlorpromazine), and Trilafon (perphenazine).

There are several approaches to treating Parkinson’s disease. Pharmaceuticals medications, nutrition, exercise, education, physical therapy and speech therapy have all been found to be effective in some cases. Deep-brain stimulation surgical procedures are also used in some cases.

Deciding which combination of options can best treat a given patient will depend on several variables including symptoms severity, age, capacity for physical movement and more.

Treating Parkinson’s Disease

When the symptoms of Parkinson’s progress to the point where medication is warranted, Levodopa is the most effective currently available. The patient should be included in the decision to begin taking anti-Parkinson’s medications; along with their family members and primary physician.

In addition to Levodopa, there are five other classes of commonly prescribed medications used to treat Parkinson’s. They are:

• Anticholinergics;
• MAO B inhibitors;
• COMT inhibitors;
• Dopamine agonists;
• Amantadine;

Levodopa is the most effective drug option for treating Parkinson’s symptoms. It’s the first choice of many doctors for improving slowed movements (bradykinesia) caused by Parkinson’s.

Other L-DOPA uses include improving the rigidity and tremors associated with Parkinson’s. However, Levodopa is not particularly effective for treating coordination problems. Impaired walking may be better treated with other therapeutic options.

Several formulations of Levodopa exist. All formulations sold in the United States contain another compound called carbidopa. Used alone, carbidopa has no reported effects in humans. However, when combined with Levodopa, it reduces associated side effects and strengthens performance. Rapid and slow-acting formulations are available.

In Europe and Canada, a compound called benserazide is combined with levodopa instead of carbidopa. Brand names include Madopar and Prolopa.

How to use L-DOPA

In most cases, patients using L-DOPA for Parkinson’s disease begin with small doses. Rapid-action pills are taken 2 or 3 times each day. Each dose is taken with a meal to reduce chances of nausea.

According to the patient’s tolerance levels, the initial dosage level is stepped gradually until effective symptom management is achieved. Once a point where symptoms are controlled is reached, slow-acting pills may be substituted to reduce the number of pills needed daily.

Side Effects of L-DOPA Uses

Side effects associated with L-DOPA uses may be avoided more effectively when dosage levels begin low and are slowly built up; as described above.

There are various reported adverse side effects associated with using Levodopa formulations. The most commonly experienced of these are headaches, nausea, dizziness and sleeplessness. However, there are more serious adverse effects possible; including hallucinations, agitation, confusion, disorientation, delusions, psychosis and more.

Special concern is given to the possibilities of developing motor complications when using levodopa formulations. In most cases, these medicines are used for multiple years.

Over time, L-DOPA uses are often associated with dyskinesias. Dyskinesias is marked by involuntary jerking and twitching. More than 50% of those taking levodopa formulations long-term will develop some degree of dyskinesias and/or other motor disorders.

Healthy humans have between 400,000 and 600,000 dopamine neurons. Parkinson’s disease onsets when roughly 70% of those have been damaged or destroyed. Previously, using levodopa was thought to cause the death of dopamine neuroreceptors in the brain.

There is not enough clinical proof to support that theory. Most doctors continue to prescribe levodopa for Parkinson’s, especially when symptoms become debilitating to the point where living quality is compromised.

Additional L-DOPA Uses

L-DOPA uses also include strengthening libido (sex drive), increasing levels of certain hormones, treating PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), increasing bone density and enhancing immune system performance.

However, because of various possibilities for adverse effects, it is not commonly prescribed for these purposes. Clinical trials are ongoing to explore the full therapeutic potentials and safety profiles of levodopa formulations.

L-DOPA Safety Warnings

Prior to using levodopa for any therapeutic purpose, let your doctor known about pre-existing medical conditions you have been diagnosed with. L-DOPA uses may not be recommended for those with allergies, asthma, depression, schizophrenia, seizures, sleeping disorders, ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, glaucoma, diseases of the blood and certain other conditions.

Levodopa is able to pass into breast milk. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid usage. Discuss the possible benefits and safety of using L-DOPA with your doctor.

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