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Levodopa is regarded as the first-line therapy for treating Parkinson's disease due to its efficacy in addressing the core symptoms of the condition, particularly bradykinesia and rigidity. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, which is deficient in patients with Parkinson’s disease. When administered, Levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine, supplementing the diminished levels within the brain and leading to improved motor function.

This medication has a well-documented history of effectiveness in treating the movement disorders associated with Parkinson's disease, making it the cornerstone of management for many patients. In combination with carbidopa, which prevents the peripheral conversion of levodopa into dopamine (thereby reducing side effects and increasing the amount that reaches the central nervous system), levodopa provides significant benefits in symptom control.

Other medications, while useful and sometimes incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan, do not serve as the primary or first choice in therapy. For instance, amantadine may help in mild cases or alleviate dyskinesias in advanced disease; propranolol is primarily used for tremors and has no direct impact on the motor symptoms of Parkinson's; and selegiline, a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, can provide