We all heard about Parkinson’s disease; this is degenerative disorder in the central nervous system wherein the dopamine producing cells are affected but medications are being produced like Madopar. These cells die for unknown reasons and as a result, the motor function of the individual is affected. A person with Parkinson’s is often observed of having involuntary tremors. Usually when at rest, a PD victim shakes uncontrollably. In addition to shaking, PD affected individuals also exhibit slow movement, rigidity and difficulty in walking and gait.

As of today, the reason for the cell death is unidentified and because of this medical experts often refer the disorder as idiopathic. Although this is the case, there have been studies which have been made in the past which are now used as a basis for managing the disease. Since the disease deals about the low levels of dopamine in the central nervous system, professionals are now looking for ways to help increase these elements in the body in order to prevent the motor symptoms. One popular drug of choice is Madopar.

Inside Madopar

Madopar is a drug used to manage motor problems of persons with Parkinson’s disease. This is because the component of this drug is composed of levodopa. In pharmacology, levodopa is the precursor to neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine or collectively known as catecholamines. As mentioned earlier in Parkinson’s disease, levels of dopamine in the system are affected due to the destruction of dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra. Thus the most effective way of giving additional dopamine in the body is by introducing levodopa in the system since it can transform into dopamine once it reaches the central nervous system.

Madopar Side Effect

However, there is one problem when using this particular drug. The blood-brain barrier which acts as the wall that separates the blood from the brain’s extracellular fluid in the central nervous system often impedes the levodopa from entering. Some say that only 10% can pass through the barrier and go straight to the central nervous system.

Caution while using Madopar

As a result, the remaining components of the drug are synthesized elsewhere including the peripheral nervous system. When there are high levels of dopamine in these areas, it results to reactions which can be threatening to the life of the individual. Some of the reactions include hypotension, arrhythmias, nausea, disorientation and confusion, auditory and visual hallucinations and more. Because of the dangerous nature of Madopar, it is always advised that patients must seek medical help prior to using the drug.