L-dopa is a shortened name for the prescription drug levodopa, which doctors prescribe to supplement levels of the brain chemical dopamine. Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, l-dopa poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Types of Side Effects

Common side effects of l-dopa include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, lack of coordination, hand tremors, headaches, dizziness, numbness, weakness, faintness, teeth grinding, confusion, insomnia and nightmares.

Drug Interactions

L-dopa has the potential to cause severe reactions with a variety of medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants like clorgyline, the tuberculosis drug isoniazid, the seizure medication phenytoin and the anti-psychotic drug bromperidol, explains the Mayo Clinic.

Risks

In some cases, l-dopa causes permanent tics and involuntary spasms of the facial muscles, warns RxList. Other risks associated with the drug include drops in blood pressure levels, incidences of extreme paranoia or psychosis, stomach ulcers and shortages in red or white blood cells.

Prevention

To diagnose and quickly treat any harmful side effects from l-dopa, your doctor is likely to perform regular check-ups, urinalysis and blood tests to check the functioning of your heart, kidneys and liver as well as the levels of your blood cells during your treatment with the drug.

Considerations

Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors restrict the use of l-dopa in pregnant women to instances where there is no safe alternative to treatment. If you have a history of diabetes, emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, glaucoma, heart disease, skin cancer, mental illness, kidney or liver disease, seizures or stomach ulcers, it may not be safe for you to take l-dopa, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

RxList: Dopar (Levodopa)

Mayo Clinic: Levodopa (Oral Route)