What is the difference between dopamine agonists and l-dopa?

1) They act directly at dopamine receptors, therefore, it does not need metabolic conversion to an active moiety as in the case of L-DOPA 2) They do not undergo oxidation and thus avoid the generation of free radicals that may contribute to neuronal degeneration 3) Their longer half-life causes fewer motor complications as they provide continuous stimulation of striatal dopamine receptors and reduce frequency of dosing required to maintain adequate drug levels 4)DAs do not require carrier-mediated transport for GI absorption or entry into the BBB; thus dietary restrictions are not required 5) DAs usage is associated with more hallucinations, somnolence, and edema than with levodopa therapy.