Category: Parkinson s disease

Over 81% of patients with Parkinson's disease are treated with anti-Parkinson drugs, with levodopa being the most common [1.9.5]. It's crucial to understand the specific situations and conditions for **when should levodopa not be taken** or be used with caution.

Originally developed as an antiviral medication for influenza, amantadine was later discovered to possess antiparkinsonian properties. Knowing when to use amantadine in Parkinson's disease is crucial for managing specific symptoms, most notably involuntary movements caused by other treatments, though its role has evolved over time.

Carbidopa-levodopa is the most potent medication for treating Parkinson's disease (PD), a condition that has more than doubled in global prevalence between 1990 and 2016 [1.3.5, 1.5.2]. While highly effective, it's crucial to understand the answer to the question: what is the most common side effect of carbidopa-levodopa?

Over 81% of patients with Parkinson's disease are treated with anti-Parkinson drugs, with levodopa being the most common [1.8.2]. Learning how to reduce side effects of carbidopa-levodopa is key to improving quality of life and treatment efficacy.

According to the Parkinson's Foundation, over 50% of individuals taking carbidopa-levodopa may experience psychosis, including hallucinations. This article explores the important question: **can carbidopa-levodopa cause hallucinations**, delving into the mechanism, risk factors, and essential management strategies for patients and their caregivers.

Sweating abnormalities are reported by as many as 64% of people in the later stages of Parkinson's disease [1.4.5]. A key question for many is: **Does carbidopa-levodopa cause sweating?** The answer is complex, involving the medication, the disease itself, and individual responses.

Over 75% of people with Parkinson's will experience nausea at some point, often as a side effect of their dopaminergic medications. While many common anti-nausea drugs can be dangerous, it raises a critical question: is ondansetron safe in Parkinson's?.

Initially developed as an antiviral for influenza, amantadine was later found to possess antiparkinsonian properties. Today, it is commonly prescribed as an adjunct therapy alongside levodopa to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease, particularly motor fluctuations and dyskinesia.

Global estimates in 2019 showed over 8.5 million individuals live with Parkinson's disease [1.11.4]. For many, carbidopa-levodopa is the primary treatment, but it's not the only option. If you're wondering, 'What can I replace carbidopa levodopa with?', several alternatives exist to manage symptoms [1.2.1].

In August 2024, the FDA approved Crexont® (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules, marking a significant advancement in Parkinson's disease treatment. This innovation directly addresses motor fluctuations in patients, offering a longer-lasting effect than many existing oral formulations. Here we answer **what is the new drug for carbidopa-levodopa** and explore how this novel therapy is impacting care.