It's really frustrating when medications that were working well start causing problems — and you're definitely not alone in experiencing this. After a year or more on carbidopa/levodopa, the body and brain can respond differently to the same dose.
Here's what may be happening:
- As Parkinson's progresses, the brain has Show Full Answer
It's really frustrating when medications that were working well start causing problems — and you're definitely not alone in experiencing this. After a year or more on carbidopa/levodopa, the body and brain can respond differently to the same dose.
Here's what may be happening:
- As Parkinson's progresses, the brain has fewer dopamine-producing cells, which changes how medication is processed
- Slower digestion (a common Parkinson's symptom) can affect how well and how quickly the medication is absorbed
- Long-term use can sometimes lead to "wearing off" periods between doses, making symptoms feel harder to manage There are several things a doctor can explore to help, including:
- Adjusting the timing or dosage of carbidopa/levodopa
- Switching to an extended-release version for more stable levels
- Adding medications like rasagiline or entacapone to extend effectiveness
- Exploring alternative delivery methods like inhaled or infused levodopa for more consistent absorption
It's also worth asking about vitamin B6 levels. Carbidopa/levodopa can deplete B6 over time, which may cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, fatigue, or mood changes that feel like medication intolerance.
Please don't adjust or stop any medication on your own — a conversation with your neurologist is the best next step here.
June 30
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