Questions about the Parkinson’s drug levodopa are common: When should I start it? Does it cause involuntary movement (dyskinesia)? Will it stop working eventually?

More than 50 years after its FDA approval, levodopa remains the most common and effective medication for Parkinson’s. And yet, misconceptions — about how the drug works, what symptoms it treats, or which side effects it has — are widespread. Knowing the facts can help you make the best treatment decision for you and your symptoms.

For more on levodopa and answers to common questions, watch the video and read our blog. And to contribute your experience to research — whether you have Parkinson's or not — join MJFF's Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI).

Ask the MD has been made possible through the leadership of members of our Parkinson's Disease Education Consortium in conjunction with The Albert B. Glickman Parkinson's Disease Education Program. These partners' support allows us to furnish high-quality educational content to the Parkinson's community while maintaining our commitment to allocate donor dollars to high-impact research. Editorial control of all Michael J. Fox Foundation-published content rests solely with the Foundation.