Question

Major side effects of levodopa therapy include which of the following? a. nausea, vomiting, anorexia and orthostatic hypotension b. abnormal liver function tests c. bradykinesia and tremor d. dry eyes and dry mouth

Short answer

Answer: The major side effects of levodopa therapy include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and orthostatic hypotension.

Step-by-step solution

Levodopa overview and side effects

Levodopa is a medication used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It works by being converted in the brain into the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps control movement, balance, and other motor functions. Even though this medication is effective in alleviating Parkinson's symptoms, it does come with some side effects. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), and loss of appetite (anorexia). It is important to be aware of these side effects and monitor the patient accordingly.

Analyzing the answers and choosing the correct one

Now let's go through each choice and determine which one matches the side effects of levodopa therapy: a. nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and orthostatic hypotension b. abnormal liver function tests c. bradykinesia and tremor d. dry eyes and dry mouth Based on our understanding of levodopa side effects, option (a) describes the most common and major side effects of the medication. Therefore, the correct answer is: a. nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and orthostatic hypotension