"On-off" effects in patients with Parkinson's disease on chronic levodopa therapy

Lancet. 1976 Feb 7;1(7954):292-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(76)91416-1.

Abstract

Fluctuations in performance in patients with Parkinson's disease on chronic levodopa therapy (the "on-off" effect) are due to several factors. The increasing severity during treatment of early morning akinesia, "freezing" episodes, and end-of-dose deterioration are probably due to progression of the underlying disease. Peak-dose dyskinesia and peak-dose akinesia are due to levodopa over dosage. "Yo-yo-ing", which is the severest form of such fluctuation in mobility and dyskinesias, may represent the sum of these disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Half-Life
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage*
  • Levodopa / adverse effects
  • Levodopa / blood
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Long-Term Care
  • Movement Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Muscle Rigidity / chemically induced*
  • Parkinson Disease / blood
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Levodopa