“Wearing-off” is the term used when the effect of a medication, usually levodopa, literally “wears off” or becomes less effective. The term “early wearing-off”is also used to mean the same thing, referring to the fact that over time the effectiveness of a dose tends to wear off earlier than before.
When “wearing-off” occurs Parkinson’s symptoms either re-emerge or worsen before the next dose of medication is due. This tends to begin to happen over a period of time as Parkinson’s progresses and when it does the control of both motor and non-motor symptoms fluctuates. This phenomenon is very individual and there is no standard time frame for when this may take place or what symptoms you might experience.
The range of “wearing-off” symptoms is very broad so any changes in your usual pattern should be discussed with your doctor who may be able to adjust your medication regime to help control these symptoms better.
