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I'm very new to PD and am experiencing profound fatigue. Should the levodopa be helping with that?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Osceola, WI
June 13
 · 
Reactions
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thanks Harry! I think you are right about forcing myself to move when I least feel like moving. Riding in the car after a physically busy day is the worst! Major crash in energy! Though I did seem to recover faster. This is a strange disease.

June 14
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I too found that when I sit (lunch, reading, desk work) my fatigue would flood in. I ended up sleeping almost all afternoon every afternoon.

At my last visit with my neurologist he suggested I try doubling my levodopa carbidopa. It has made a huge difference. He felt my level of fatigue was related to my system being in an off period. I am so glad I will not be sleeping the summer away!

June 15
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I have my days, But now curious about the increased dosage. I will mention it to my Neurologist to get her take on it. I'm returning to work full-time after surgery, just to be able to keep moving. I HATE just sitting without feeling productive.

June 16
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Karen, Personally I have my GOOD days, Bad days, and thankfully my EXTREMELY Bad days are less common. I do find forcing myself to MOVE seems to help. Then there are days when I just want to sit in my chair and stare at the TV, mindless, mind Blank. Harry

June 14
MyParkinsonsTeam

Welcome to the journey — and fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating parts of it. Up to 80% of people with Parkinson's experience fatigue at some point, so you are definitely not alone in this.

Levodopa is primarily designed to help with motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness. Its effect on fatigue is less Show Full Answer

Welcome to the journey — and fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating parts of it. Up to 80% of people with Parkinson's experience fatigue at some point, so you are definitely not alone in this.

Levodopa is primarily designed to help with motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness. Its effect on fatigue is less straightforward and varies from person to person. In fact, some Parkinson's medications, including certain dopamine agonists, can actually *increase* fatigue or cause daytime sleepiness — especially at higher doses. As one MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, their neurologist increased their medication dose and fatigue actually worsened, particularly in the afternoons.

It's really worth having an open conversation with your doctor about your fatigue. There are some options worth discussing, including:

- Reviewing your current medications to see if any are contributing to tiredness
- MAO-B inhibitors like rasagiline, which some research suggests may help reduce fatigue
- Adjusting dosage if your current medication seems to be making things worse Beyond medication, there are practical strategies that many people find helpful:

- Pacing your day — scheduling important tasks during your higher-energy windows
- Light exercise like walking or yoga, which can actually boost energy over time
- Avoiding alcohol, which can disrupt sleep quality and worsen next-day fatigue
- Mental health support, since depression can also contribute to fatigue in Parkinson's

Always check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications.

June 13

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