Levodopa Carbidopa

Uses of Levodopa Carbidopa

Levodopa helps to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain that produces symptoms. Levodopa can be used alone, but adding carbidopa lowers the amount of levodopa that is required and may reduce some of the side effects that are associated with levodopa, such as nausea and vomiting.

Precautions and Warnings

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

 This medication has been known to cause mood swings, changes in behaviour, and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may notice compulsive behaviour, such as gambling, increased sexual activity, or inappropriate spending. Levodopa-carbidopa has been associated with hallucinations and confusion. If you experience these side effects, contact your doctor.

 Levodopa – carbidopa may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.

 This medication can cause blood pressure changes, making symptoms of heart conditions worse. If you have heart disease (e.g., history of heart attack, arrhythmia), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Some people taking levodopa-carbidopa experience sudden blood pressure drops when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor.

This medication has been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

 Levodopa – carbidopa may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or affect mental abilities necessary to drive or operate machinery. Avoid activities that that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.

This medication may cause symptoms of glaucoma to get worse by increasing the pressure inside the eye. If you have chronic wide-angle glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Levodopa competes with certain amino acids for absorption into the body. As a result, some patients on a high-protein diet may have reduced absorption of levodopa. It is important to not change your diet dramatically when you are taking this medication, as this may change how well the medication works for you.

This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Levodopa passes into breast milk. It is not known if carbidopa passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking levodopa – carbidopa, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Dosage

The recommended starting dose for people not already taking levodopa is 1 tablet, containing 100 mg of levodopa and 25 mg of carbidopa, 3 times a day. Your doctor will usually increase the dosage by 1 tablet daily every 3 days until the best results occur with the least amount of side effects. When the dose rises above 3 tablets daily, the dose should be divided into 4 to 6 daily doses.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Abnormal dreams
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Constipation