![]() L-DOPA is a direct precursor of dopamine – it is the compound that dopamine is made from. L-DOPA (Levodopa) Mechanism of Action L-DOPA is a Dopamine Precursor Early research points to their potential health benefits, but solid data are lacking. L-DOPA supplements are usually made from the plant Mucuna pruriens. Speak with your doctor before supplementing. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. However, L-DOPA may also cause side effects, including involuntary, abnormal muscle movements (dyskinesia) in patients with Parkinson’s disease.Īdditionally, L-DOPA supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. In addition, some healthy people claim that L-DOPA has positive effects on their cognitive function and use it in supplemental form as a “smart drug.” No valid clinical trials have tested the nootropic effects and safety of L-DOPA in healthy volunteers, though. L-DOPA can be obtained from multiple natural sources, the most popular one being the plant Mucuna pruriens. On the other hand, mixed effects were reported in depression, anxiety, and oxidative stress. Such investigational uses of L-DOPA include improved sexual function, mental alertness, motivation, sleep, pain relief, and weight loss. At the moment, however, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of L-DOPA for any indication other than Parkison’s disease management. Some scientists think that the uses of L-DOPA may go beyond Parkinson’s disease in the future. The levodopa carbidopa combination is an FDA-approved treatment for Parkinson’s disease. L-DOPA (levodopa) is the direct precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. As carbidopa does not cross the blood-brain barrier, L-DOPA is converted into dopamine in the brain, increasing dopamine levels. This allows more L-DOPA to reach the brain. The combination is classified by the FDA as a drug.Ĭarbidopa prevents the conversion of L-DOPA into dopamine outside the brain. L-DOPA is administered with carbidopa (also known as SINEMET) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It increases dopamine levels in the brain, which provides relief of Parkinson’s symptoms. It has been the prime treatment for Parkinson’s disease since the 1960s. In humans, it is produced from the amino acid L- tyrosine. It is naturally produced in animals and plants. L-DOPA is an amino acid derivative also known as levodopa or L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine. L-Dopa is classified and sold as a supplement, but anyone considering taking it should consult a doctor first. The combination of levodopa and carbidopa (also known as SINEMET) should be used only with the prescription and supervision of a doctor. This post provides a summary of the information available in the scientific and clinical literature, along with a list of evidence-based complementary strategies. Learn what the science says about the approved and investigational uses of L-Dopa here.ĭisclaimer : Levodopa is prescribed, usually in combination with carbidopa to treat Parkinson’s disease. Plant-based L-Dopa supplements are also available, but studies on their benefits are sparse. L-Dopa is also under investigation for sleep & motivation. The combination of L-Dopa (levodopa) and carbidopa is a prime treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A plus sign next to the number “” means that the information is found within the full scientific study rather than the abstract. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please leave a comment or contact us at that each number in parentheses is a clickable link to peer-reviewed scientific studies. Our goal is to not have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website. They are continually monitored by our internal peer-review process and if we see anyone making material science errors, we don't let them write for us again. Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. Our science team is put through the strictest vetting process in the health industry and we often reject applicants who have written articles for many of the largest health websites that are deemed trustworthy. Our team comprises of trained MDs, PhDs, pharmacists, qualified scientists, and certified health and wellness specialists.Īll of our content is written by scientists and people with a strong science background. We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. We believe that the most accurate information is found directly in the scientific source. SelfHacked has the strictest sourcing guidelines in the health industry and we almost exclusively link to medically peer-reviewed studies, usually on PubMed.
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