L-dopa is a chemical without a name, thus the reason for the abbreviation. The chemical is made by biosynthesis from one of the building block amino acids called L-tyrosine. The reason the scientific part of this is important is because dopamine is released in the brain as a level of happiness or pleasure. This means the L-dopa is a precursor to the neurotransmitters, one of which is dopamine. When manufactured in a pure form, it is considered to be a psychoactive drug. It is also used as a treatment for the degenerative condition of Parkinson’s disease.
L-Dopa in the Central Nervous System
L-dopa crosses a blood-brain barrier that exceeds what even dopamine can do. Given in therapeutic doses, it can have an impact on Parkinson’s disease sufferers. Vitamin B6 enables the reaction so it may be administered along with the L-dopa.
L-dopa is a powerful substance and has the potential to cause side effects. To abort the side effects, a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor is administered as well. It might be a drug referred to as Sinemet or Stalevo, among others.
Even with therapeutic usage, there has been a short duration response. Only after a two-week usage has there been more significant accumulative response.
L-Dopa within the Peripheral Nervous System
L-dopa has a reaction on the peripheral nervous system as well because that is where it is converted into dopamine. However, this is also the cause of many of the adverse side effects. L-dopa has been given along with a peripheral DDCI as a treatment for restless leg syndrome, but there is no definitive case study to show the benefits.
Side Effects
There are many side effects from L-dopa. For this reason, it may be sparingly administered. Hypotension is one of the primary adverse side effects. It occurs mainly when the therapeutic dose is too high. A side effect that is not as common is arrhythmias. Nausea is often a side effect when taking the drug at the same time as food is eaten. Protein also interferes with the absorption of the drug. Disorientation, confusion and extreme emotional states, along with visual hallucinations, are added to the list of adverse side effects to L-dopa, even though there can be great positives in the therapeutic use of L-dopa.
Excessive long use of L-dopa for Parkinson’s disease has sometimes been connected to a condition referred to as dysregulation syndrome. When L-dopa is given over a long period of time without proper levels of serotonin, the body’s natural levels can be depleted.
