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levodopa
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Or:
L-dopa
Related Topics:
antiparkinson drug
dopa
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levodopa

chemical compound
Also known as: L-dopa
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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Last updated
•History

levodopa, Organic compound (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) from which the body makes dopamine, a neurotransmitter deficient in persons with parkinsonism. When given orally in large daily doses, levodopa can lessen the effects of the disease. However, it becomes less effective over time and causes abnormal involuntary movements (dyskinesia).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.