Levodopa in Parkinson's Disease

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What is Levodopa used as in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

A dopamine precursor (correct)

A dopamine reuptake inhibitor

A dopamine receptor agonist

A dopamine decarboxylase inhibitor

Where is Levodopa taken up by in the basal ganglia?

GABAergic nerve endings

Serotonergic nerve endings

Dopaminergic nerve endings (correct)

Noradrenergic nerve endings

What is the therapeutic value of Levodopa in Parkinson's disease?

It only shows a curative activity

It has no therapeutic value

It has the highest therapeutic value (correct)

It stops the natural progression of the disease

When is Levodopa not recommended to be used?

In the early period when symptoms are mild Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of patients respond well to Levodopa?

1/3 Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the therapeutic efficacy of Levodopa over time?

It decreases and disappears Signup and view all the answers

How is Levodopa administered?

Orally Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Levodopa when ingested with food?

Its absorption is delayed and its bioavailability may decrease Signup and view all the answers

What is an indicator that the dose of a drug should not be increased further?

The occurrence of drug-induced involuntary movements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason levodopa is rarely used alone in treatment?

It is not produced in Turkey Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of carbidopa and benserazide in combined levodopa preparations?

To inhibit the dopa-decarboxylase enzyme in the periphery Signup and view all the answers

In which period of treatment is the efficacy of the drug typically strongest?

First two years Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the dopaminergic nerve ending is lost in the striatum?

Levodopa cannot convert to dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is not used in the treatment of extrapyramidal disorders and parkinsonism caused by various drugs?

Dopaminergic agonist drugs Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the number of D2 receptors with prolonged exposure to the agonist?

They decrease Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using combined levodopa preparations?

To reduce the degradation of levodopa in the periphery Signup and view all the answers

What can occur suddenly in the daytime due to certain medications?

State of sleepiness Signup and view all the answers

Why should Levodopa not be used with multivitamins?

Because it reduces its central effect Signup and view all the answers

What can result from sudden discontinuation of Levodopa and other dopaminergic drugs?

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What are dopamine receptor agonists often derived from?

Ergot alkaloids Signup and view all the answers

Why are anticholinergics not recommended with Levodopa?

Because they reduce its bioavailability Signup and view all the answers

What can occur when Levodopa is taken concomitantly with MAO inhibitors?

Hypertensive crisis Signup and view all the answers

What type of effect do dopamine receptor agonists have compared to Levodopa and amantadine?

Stronger Signup and view all the answers

What is characterized by confusion, rigidity, and hyperthermia?

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of Amantadine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Increasing dopamine release from nerve endings Signup and view all the answers

Why is Apomorphine used in special cases and under supervision?

It causes emesis in high doses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of Rotigotine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Activating dopamine D3 receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic of treatment with all dopaminergic agonist drugs?

Starting with a small dose and increasing gradually Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of Selegiline on dopamine receptors?

It has high affinity for dopamine D4 receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the common side effect of Amantadine?

Restlessness Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when discontinuing treatment with dopaminergic agonist drugs?

Reduce the dose gradually over at least 1 week Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapeutic efficacy of Amantadine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Weak Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of dopamine agonists?

Sudden sleepiness or falling asleep Signup and view all the answers

In what percentage of patients can bromocriptine produce a sufficient therapeutic effect when used alone?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Why is bromocriptine preferred at the beginning of the disease?

Because of its high effectiveness in early stages Signup and view all the answers