APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. the naturally occurring form of dihydroxyphenylalanine (see dopa), a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Synthetic levodopa is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (see dopamine-receptor agonist), usually in combination with carbidopa (see Sinemet) or in combination with carbidopa and a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor (see Stalevo). U.S. trade names: Dopar; Larodopa.