Therapeutic Guidelines and Side Effects Encountered During L ‐dopa Therapy in 100 Cases of Parkinsonism

In a series of over 100 Parkinsonian patients receiving l-dopa over a period of 18 months, the results of treatment show that at least 70% respond far beyond the effects obtained from conventional anticholinergic drugs. There are, however, a large number of side effects which accompany l-dopa therapy, including gastro-intestinal, cardio-vascular, psychiatric and neurological reactions. These are discussed in detail and in relation to dosage. A discussion is presented on the future of l-dopa, its possible combination with an extracerebral decarboxylase inhibitor, together with theories of other cellular metabolic effects. Because of these factors, It is recommended that the administration of l-dopa remain restricted to neurologists until the longer-term effects are known.