Do you or someone in your family have Parkinson's disease? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Carbidopa; Levodopa. This is a type of tablet that dissolves in your mouth. So, today we will simply talk about what exactly this medicine is, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it. This will be very important for you.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medication is used to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It does not cure the disease completely, but it can greatly reduce the disruption to daily life caused by the symptoms.
Our brains contain a chemical called dopamine . This helps control our body's movements and coordination. In people with Parkinson's disease, the level of dopamine in the brain decreases. So, this medicine works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain again. Then, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness and tremors, are greatly reduced.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking this medication, it is important to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
| Illness or condition | Reason to be concerned |
|---|---|
| Depression or other mental illnesses | This medicine can cause mood changes. |
| Diabetes | Sugar in urine can affect the results of tests. |
| Glaucoma condition | Eye pressure may increase. |
| Heart disease, history of heart attack, or irregular heartbeat | Heart rate may be affected. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The dosage may need to be changed as it affects the elimination of the drug from the body. |
| Lung or respiratory diseases, such as asthma | Some patients may be affected. |
| Narcolepsy or sleep apnea | This medication may cause increased daytime sleepiness. |
| Stomach or intestinal problems | You should be careful about conditions such as stomach bleeding. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on your child. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | This is important to prevent allergic reactions. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a pill that dissolves in the mouth, the method of use is a little different.
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly . Do not touch the medicine with wet hands.
2. Take the tablet out of the bottle and place it directly on your tongue .
3. Let the tablet dissolve. Swallow it after it dissolves. You can do this without water.
4. Take your medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
Very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious side effects. If you do stop, your doctor will tell you how to do it.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications and foods can interact with this medicine, so tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take.
| Never take these with anything. | |
|---|---|
| |
| These can also cause problems - ask your doctor. | |
|
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
Weakening of the drug's effectiveness (Wearing-off / On-off Effect)
Sometimes, as the next dose is near, you may feel that the medicine is working less. This is called the "wearing-off effect." Other times, the medicine may suddenly stop working for a minute or two or even an hour, and then start working again. This is called the "on-off effect." If you experience this, tell your doctor. He or she may adjust your dose.
Diet
Eating foods high in protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk, nuts) can reduce the absorption of this medicine. Therefore, avoid eating protein-rich foods 30 minutes before or one hour after taking the medicine . You can eat protein-rich foods later in the day or in small amounts. Talk to your doctor about this and develop the best diet.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Get up slowly. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall. Avoid drinking alcohol , which can make you feel even more drowsy.
Sudden sleepiness: This can be very dangerous. Some people may suddenly fall asleep without warning while doing something (e.g., driving, talking) while taking this medication. If this happens to you, tell your doctor immediately.
Behavioral changes
Some people taking this medicine may experience strong urges to gamble, have sex, overeat, or spend money unnecessarily . If you experience any of these unusual behaviors, don't be embarrassed and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Other points
- Change in urine or sweat color: Your urine or sweat may turn dark red, brown, or black. Don't worry about this , it's normal. However, it may stain your clothes.
- Vitamin B6: This medication may decrease vitamin B6 levels in the body. So talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you are taking.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Sudden sleepiness | Falling asleep while doing daily tasks. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, blurred vision, fainting. |
| Changes in mood and behavior | Anxiety, restlessness, mental confusion, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts. |
| Uncontrollable movements | New or increasing uncontrolled movements of the face, mouth, or upper body. |
| Stomach bleeding | Passing black stools that look like blood or tar, vomiting a brown substance that looks like coffee grounds, or blood. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor side effects | Discoloration of saliva, sweat, and urine, slight dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you have any other concerns, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Carbidopa; Levodopa is a medication that controls the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but does not cure the disease.
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time. Never stop taking it suddenly without advice.
- Avoid eating protein-rich foods close to the time you take the medication.
- If you experience serious side effects such as sudden sleepiness, major mood swings, or uncontrollable movements, tell your doctor immediately.
- Give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take. It is very important for your safety.
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