A man and a woman sitting on a park bench with a dog in their lap.

Knowing when you're "On" and "Off"

“On” time is when your medication is working well. This means you’re within what’s called the “sweet spot”—where your levodopa levels are neither too high nor too low.

“Off” time is when your medication is not working well or is no longer helping with mobility, slowness, stiffness, and tremor. Every patient’s experience of “Off” time is different, and you may experience symptoms unique to you.

As Parkinson’s advances, it’s harder to stay in the “sweet spot"

About 70 percent.

In a study, after starting levodopa treatment, more than 40% of patients experienced increased motor fluctuations after 4-6 years.

This increased to about 70% after 9 years

You are not alone. Over time, if you are experiencing an increase in motor fluctuations, you may notice more “Off” time and less “On” time.

What “Off” time can feel like

During “Off” time, you may experience motor fluctuations, such as:

FREEZING, UNSTEADINESS,
& TROUBLE WALKING

TREMOR OR
SHAKINESS

SLOWNESS &
STIFFNESS

Find a doctor who specializes in Parkinson’s disease

Describing your "On" and "Off" time will help you and your doctor choose the best treatment option for you.

A doctor talking to a patient.

The goal of a continuously delivered levodopa therapy is to smooth the "peaks and valleys" that may be associated with taking pills.