What you need to know about Opicapone tablets for Parkinson's disease

We know the challenges of living with Parkinson's disease. Sometimes it can be very tiring to carry out daily activities with symptoms like tremors and stiffness in the body. So, your doctor may have prescribed you various medications to control these symptoms. If you are already taking Carbidopa and Levodopa, another important medication that is used with them is Opicapone. Let's talk about this medication in a simple and friendly way today.

What is Opicapone? How does it work?

Simply put, Opicapone is a medication that helps control the symptoms of Parkinson's. It is usually not given alone, but in combination with the medications you are already taking, Carbidopa and Levodopa.

Imagine, there is an important chemical in our brain that controls movement called dopamine . In Parkinson's disease, the level of this dopamine in the brain decreases. The drug Levodopa works by going to the brain and converting it into dopamine. But the dopamine that is produced is quickly broken down by the body.

This is where Opicapone comes in. This medication works by stopping the breakdown of dopamine and helping to keep it in the brain longer. It's like sealing a hole in a bucket of water and keeping the water in for longer. As a result, your body's symptoms like stiffness and tremors are better controlled.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Although Opicapone is a safe medication for most people, it may interact with certain health conditions. Therefore, it is extremely important to tell your doctor about your complete health history before starting this medication.

How to use the medicine correctly?

To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it as directed.

• Take with a glass of water: Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Take on an empty stomach: This is the most important thing. You should take this medicine at least an hour before or after eating . This is because taking it with food will reduce the absorption of the medicine into the body. For example, if you eat at 8 pm, it is best to take the medicine after 9 pm.
• Don't stop until your doctor tells you to: No matter how well you feel, don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
• If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, skip it. Take only one pill at the next scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose.
• If you take too much medicine: If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Other medications that may interact with Opicapone

It is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Some medications can interact with Opicapone and cause dangerous conditions.

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about everything you take, including vitamins, traditional medicines (Sinhala medicine), and supplements .

Things you should be especially careful about while taking the medicine

When taking this medication, there are several things you should pay attention to for your safety and well-being.

Sudden sleepiness

This may sound strange, but it is actually possible. Some people can fall asleep without warning while doing what they are doing while taking this medication. Imagine how dangerous it would be if you were driving a car or talking to someone.

• If this happens to you: Tell your doctor immediately.
• For safety: Avoid dangerous activities such as driving, working at heights, or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medication affects you.

Impulse control issues

This is also an uncommon, but important, side effect of this medication. Some people may experience intense cravings when taking this medication that they didn't have before.

• A strong desire to gamble.
• Unusual interest in sexual behavior.
• Binge eating.
• Spending money unnecessarily and buying things.

Dizziness and fainting

You may feel dizzy and your eyes may turn blue, especially when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed. This is because your blood pressure suddenly drops.

• What to do: When changing positions , change them slowly. Don't get up all at once, wait a while before getting up.
• This condition can be made worse if you drink alcohol.

Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly.

This is very important. If you stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice, you may experience severe reactions such as fever, muscle stiffness, and changes in consciousness. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.

Dry mouth

Some people may experience a dry mouth when taking this medicine.

• Remedies: Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candies, and drinking small amounts of water throughout the day may help. If this persists, tell your doctor.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Opicapone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

How do you store and dispose of medication safely?

• Storage: Keep medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
• Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or no longer needed medications is to ask your doctor about a program where you can return them. If that is not possible, remove the pills from the bottle, mix them with used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or something rotten, put them in a tightly sealed bag, and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.

Opicapone, Parkinson's disease, Dopamine, Drug side effects, Carbidopa Levodopa, Sinhala medical article, Ongentys