Levadopa

[bmak54]

Levadopa works great for ( sometimes ) many years, then it becomes less and less effective, requiring higher doses that leads to dyskenisa.

[Seamus6]

Statement or question!? 🤔

[GymBag]

What is the length of time before this happens ? This is the first report I have heard of this. Who did the study because it is contrary to others.

[pvw2 in reply to GymBag]

My previous reply was too brief and misunderstood. I asked my neurologist this question with the thought that starting levodopa/carbidopa would cause it's effectiveness to diminish sooner. But, his response was the lack of effectiveness is due to the progression of PD, not resistance to the drug. However, he did start me on the PD drugs other than levodopa/carbidopa because my symptoms are mild. My thinking is he is concerned about the research that suggests that oxidized levodopa causes PD to progress faster.; a good reason to take antioxidants. The less expensive and better known are vitamin C and E. There are many other antioxidants you can get from nutrition as well as supplements.

[Juliegrace]

What are you trying to accomplish with this statement that is only partially true?

[condor39]

I suggest that it is not Levodopa which becomes less effective, but as PD becomes worse, it isn less able to control symptoms, then the dose has to be increased. And side effects may ensue. Mild dyskinesia may be preferable tp having more PD symptoms.

[Isthistheone in reply to condor39]

One doesn't know if he/she, is going to get mild, medium or severe dyskenesia. My experience was mild for the first 3-4 hours. OK probably months but looking back it felt like hours! Trying to reduce my levodopa intake with some success. Presently at 1500 - 1600 mg Ldopa daily. Down from 2000 mg. Got more work to do. 68 yrs young, diagnosed at 60.

[condor39 in reply to Isthistheone]

You are right, I was lucky and got mild dyskinesia, my right leg would move on its own. By backing off the dose a little, it went away .

I am just grateful that Levodopa works so well, but it is not a perfect solution.

I take no supplements of any kind, but I will, as soon as they are proved to be effective.

[Gioc]

If we want to add an appropriate context we could say that dyskinesia appears at the peak of dose in the body and all the problems arise because the great Science has not yet "tamed" or prolonged the bioavailability of ldopa if ever wanted to do so given the interactions with other drugs of the substances used. Yet on their doors appears the sign "we are working for you... donate".

I apologize if I am a little polemical now. ... Then I'll pass, as soon as I take the next Ldopa.

"Levodopa: the story so far"

nature.com/articles/466S6a

[Isthistheone in reply to Gioc]

My dyskenesia occurs at any time throughout the day. Intensity is moderate to high. I have severe gait and balance issues only when I'm at peak dose. I never knew i had such "talent". I can fall forward, backward, sideward and everywhere in between. I only do the ones with the highest degree of difficulty!! I take my walker everywhere. Its the only thing that saves me.

[Gioc in reply to Isthistheone]

I understand you and I'm sorry.

Compassion is not my strong point, so I'm going straight to the point of practical advice.

What works for me is thiamine/vitamin b1, especially for balance.

If you want you can take it without changing your medicine, in my opinion it will work more or less at any dose, from 100 mg upwards.

Opss! I shouldn't have said that.

[Isthistheone in reply to Gioc]

Tried thiamine with no positive results. Haven't fallen upwards yet. LOL. Thanks for replying.

[Gioc in reply to Isthistheone]

Like I didn't say,

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but you never shared it, did I? I read some of your posts, but I didn't find anything on thiamine.

I'm sorry if I knew it, I wouldn't have suggested it.

[Isthistheone in reply to Gioc]

Not a problem. Tried thiamine early on with Roy Prop. He was the thiamine Guru at the time. I had some questions, he did not reply despite gentle proding. So i dropped it and moved on. Many people claim it works for them. I got no positive response.

[pvw2 in reply to Isthistheone]

I've heard there is a time release Levodopa/carbidopa, but it is expensive. This would at least avoid peak doses.

[GymBag]

No it is not a well known fact.