Living with Parkinson's? What You Need to Know About Carbidopa-Levodopa

If you or someone in your family, like a mother or a father, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, your doctor may have prescribed Carbidopa-Levodopa. The name of this medicine can sound a bit tricky at first. Do not worry because we are going to break down everything you need to know in simple, clear everyday language.

Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the nerve cells in your brain that control movement. This condition can cause shaking in your hands or feet, stiffness in your body, and slow movement. This medicine helps control these exact symptoms so you can feel more comfortable and keep moving through your daily life.

What Kind of Medicine Is This?

Simply put, this medicine is designed to help control the movement symptoms of Parkinson's disease. As mentioned, Parkinson's affects the brain cells that handle body coordination and movement. This is why shaking, muscle stiffness, and slow walking happen.

This medicine works by increasing a natural chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. Dopamine helps your body move smoothly and keeps your nervous system coordinated. When you take this medicine, it raises your brain's dopamine level and reduces your Parkinson's symptoms.

Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe this medicine for other specific medical conditions. Always follow your doctor's exact instructions and guidance regarding your treatment plan.

Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting

Before you start taking this medicine, your doctor needs to know your complete health history to make sure it is safe for you. Please let your doctor know right away if you have any of the following health conditions.

How to Use This Medicine

Taking your medicine exactly the way your doctor prescribed and at the right times is very important for your health.

• Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
• Swallow the pill whole. Do not crush or chew it. However, some special controlled-release tablets can be broken in half if your doctor tells you it is safe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to confirm your specific pill type.
• Try to take your medicine at the exact same times every single day.
• Never stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause severe withdrawal reactions.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and just take your next pill at the usual time. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed pill.

What If You Take Too Much?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go right away to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER) or A&E. If you are in the US or Canada, call 911. If you are in the UK, call 999. You can also call your local poison control center right away for emergency advice.

This medicine was prescribed specifically for you. Never share your medicine with other people, even if they have similar symptoms.

Things to Watch Out For While Taking This Medicine

While you take this medicine, pay close attention to how your body feels and note any physical or mental changes.

Drowsiness and Dizziness

This medicine can make you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day. Until you know how the medicine affects your body, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing tasks that need sharp focus. If you are an older adult, stand up very slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness and falls. Drinking alcohol can make this sleepiness much worse, so you should avoid alcohol completely.

Falling Asleep Suddenly

Sometimes, you might fall asleep suddenly without feeling any warning signs beforehand. This can happen while you are driving, talking, or even eating a meal. If you experience sudden sleepiness, it is very dangerous. Tell your doctor right away.

Unusual Urges

Some people taking this medicine develop unusual, strong urges. This can include sudden urges to gamble, spend money on unneeded items, or intense sexual urges. If this behavior is new for you and not normal, do not feel embarrassed. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Wearing-Off and On-Off Effects

These terms can sound confusing, but they are very important to understand:

• Wearing-off effect: This happens when the medicine starts to wear off before your next scheduled dose is due. You might notice your shaking or stiffness returning early.
• On-off effect: This happens when the medicine abruptly stops working and then suddenly starts working again minutes or hours later.

If you notice these patterns happening, tell your doctor. They can adjust your dose or timing to help you stay comfortable.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

Protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and nuts can lower how well your body absorbs this medicine. Because of this:

• Try to avoid eating heavy protein meals right around the time you take your medicine.
• The best practice is to take your medicine about 30 minutes before a meal or one hour after a meal.
• Talk to your doctor or a clinical dietitian about planning your daily meals around your medicine schedule.

Possible Side Effects of This Medicine

Just like any medicine, this one can cause side effects. Some side effects are mild. This others need medical help right away.

Other Things That Can Interact With This Medicine

Other medicines you take can interact with Carbidopa-Levodopa and change how it works. Always give your doctor a complete list of every prescription medicine, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, herbal supplement, and natural remedy you take. Pay special attention to the following interactions:

• MAOI antidepressant medicines used for mood disorders.
• Iron supplements or multivitamin tablets containing iron.
• Medicines used to lower high blood pressure.
• Sleep aids and anxiety medicines.
• Alcoholic drinks.