- The most common side effects of L-Dopa are not serious. Many patients taking the drug experience gastrointestinal trouble, including abdominal pain, dry mouth, loss of appetite, flatulence, difficulty swallowing, nausea and vomiting. Neurlogical side effects are also common, such as nightmares, dizziness, agitation, anxiety, clumsiness, confusion, twitching, numbness, tiredness, weakness and increased hand tremors. Also, many patients who take L-Dopa report grinding of the teeth.
- L-Dopa also has the potential to cause a number of other less common, but not dangerous, side effects. Some patients experience irregular breathing patterns while taking the drug. Effects to your sensory organs are also possible while using L-Dopa, such as double or blurred vision, dilated pupils, burning on your tongue and strange or bitter tastes. Though uncommon, there is a potential for dark colored sweat or urine, decreased urination, flushing, hot flashes and urinary incontinence during Levodopa usage.
- There are some medications which produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with L-Dopa. For example, drugs that block acetycholine, the sedative benzodiazepine, amino acid supplements containing methionine, erectile dysfunction drug papaverine, Vitamin B6 supplements and and tricyclic antidepressants all decrease the effectiveness of L-Dopa. This often results in higher dosages of the drug, which leads to an increase in side effects. Additionally, MAOI Inhibitors cause high blood pressure when combined with L-Dopa.
- In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, L-Dopa may cause serious medical complications. For example, the drug is known to cause uncontrollable jerky or repetitive movements in some patients. There is also a risk for severe depression as well as suicidal thoughts and behavior. Some patients develop a shortage of white or red blood cells while undergoing treatment with the drug. This may increase incidences infections or cause shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. Infrequently, use of L-Dopa is responsible for gastric hemorrhages, heart palpitations, severe increases or decreases in blood pressure, convulsions, extreme paranoia or seizures.
- L-Dopa has the potential to cause low birth weights, so should be avoided during pregnancy. In addition, people over the age of 65 or more susceptible to risks associated with L-Dopa usage. If you have a history of diabetes, hormone imbalances, emphysema, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, suicidal tendencies or disease of the heart, liver or kidneys, your doctor is not likely to prescribe L-Dopa. Since the drug causes dizziness and drowsiness in some cases, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how L-Dopa affects you.
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