Levodopa for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

A 62-year-old man presents with Parkinson's disease, and treatment with levodopa is recommended. Levodopa, a naturally occurring amino acid that is metabolized to dopamine in the brain, is considered the most effective drug available for Parkinson's disease. However, after several years of therapy, serious side effects, including motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, may occur.