from https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/ask-md-myths-a...
When starting Levadopa a small dose is given and increased over a period of time. Althugh you may feel ill for a short period, taking it most likely will be beneficial.

Myths about levodopa

Levodopa was approved to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) over 50 years ago and today it remains the "gold standard" of treatment. As levodopa is the most effective medication to ease Parkinson's symptoms, most people will take it at some point in the course of their disease. Misconceptions surrounding it, though, can contribute to fear of starting it or taking optimal dosages.

Levodopa is the only drug for Parkinson's.
This drug is the most commonly prescribed medication for Parkinson's disease, but dopamine agonists (e.g., Mirapex, or pramipexole) and MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., Azilect, or rasagiline) are some of the other medications available to manage Parkinson's motor symptoms. These can be used either instead of or together with levodopa.

Levodopa loses effectiveness over time.
At 88, yout mother should nor worry about this.

Levodopa always causes dyskinesia.
Although most people with PD eventually develop dyskinesia, not everyone does. Dyskinesia's uncontrolled movements often occur at the same time that other PD symptoms (e.g., tremor or rigidity) are suppressed. Major risk factors include higher levodopa doses, younger age at diagnosis and longer course of disease.

Avoiding levodopa is the best way to treat Parkinson's.
Because of the above concerns, some people may opt for other medications or even look to surgery (e.g., deep brain stimulation) to sidestep levodopa. Every person's symptoms and medication response is different, which means not everyone will tolerate levodopa or add it to their regimen. However, it shouldn't be avoided simply for the sake of avoidance. No drug or surgery has been shown to be superior to levodopa for PD, so avoiding levodopa may result in worse overall treatment of PD symptoms.

Levodopa is toxic.
Long ago, levodopa was proven safe and effective for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and rapidly gained acceptance around the world. However, driven largely by the frequent occurrence of dyskinesia, some researchers questioned whether the drug could potentially be harmful to dopamine-producing brain cells and thereby speed progression of disease. Many studies have failed to support these claims, and a study in newly treated patients showed that those on higher doses of levodopa had better quality of life and less disability compared to those on lower doses, which argues against toxicity.

I have no problem with Sinemet. It actually wonderfully for me.

I read the "common side affects" and thought wow she has a lot of these things already because she has Trigenial Neurolgia so is on medications for that,, which make her tired and her balance is off already. Thank you for your input.

I'm worried it may cause her to get tremors or shaking when she doesn't have that now. Right now it's more her not being able to walk much or lift her legs. Thankyou for answering.

I have been on sinement since I was diagnosed with PD and have not had any problems and it has been since 2014