If you or someone in your family has Parkinson's disease, you probably know that you have to take several types of medications prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes we get confused between these many types of medications. Today we are going to talk about Opicapone, a somewhat special medication for Parkinson's disease. It is most commonly available under the brand name ONGENTYS. Let's take a look at what exactly this medication is, how it is used, and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this Opicapone?
Simply put, Opicapone is an additional drug that is given together with levodopa and carbidopa, the main drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is not a drug that is given alone. Think of it like levodopa and carbidopa are the main players in controlling the symptoms of Parkinson's. So what Opicapone does is increase the effectiveness of those two main drugs, keep them in the body longer, and extend the time they control the symptoms. In other words, this drug acts like a helper that helps the main drug use its power better.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health . Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Liver or kidney disease: If you have any liver or kidney disease, you should definitely tell us.
- Excessive sleepiness or sleep-related disorders: If you have narcolepsy or sleep apnea.
- Low blood pressure: If you have symptoms of low blood pressure, such as frequent dizziness and blue eyes when you stand up.
- Mental illness: If you are being treated for a mental illness, such as schizophrenia .
- Alcohol use: If you drink alcohol, mention it.
- Allergies: If you have ever had an allergy to this Opicapone medication, or to any other medication, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Talking to the doctor without hiding these things is very important for your safety.
What is the best way to use the medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it properly.
- When to take: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or at least one hour after a meal . Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals, at the times prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Avoid stopping this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious side effects.
- Giving to children: This medicine is not usually given to children. Talk to your doctor about this.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. That is, do not take it. When it is time for the next dose, take the same dose as usual. Never take two pills at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share your medicine with others.
Other medications that may interact with Opicapone
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Opicapone. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, and vitamins.
| Type of medicine | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken together | MAOI medications (e.g. Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). These are a type of medication used to treat depression. Taking Opicapone with these can cause serious reactions. |
| Other substances and medications that may cause conflicts | Alcohol |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | |
| Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline) | |
| Some medications used for seizures (e.g. phenobarbital) | |
| Medications that affect heart disease and blood pressure (e.g., dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine) | |
| Medicines given for anesthesia and muscle relaxants during surgery | |
| Narcotic medicines for severe pain |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It is very important to pay attention to changes in your body while using this medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Avoid sitting or standing up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Sudden sleepiness: This is very important. Some people may suddenly fall asleep without warning when taking this medication. This may happen while you are driving, talking, or eating. This may happen without you feeling sleepy.
If you experience this, tell your doctor immediately.
- Uncontrollable urges: Some patients have reported having uncontrollable urges to gamble, have sex, spend money unnecessarily, or binge eat while taking this medication. If you notice any of these unusual behaviors, don't be embarrassed and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking on unsweetened candies, and drinking plenty of water can help control this. However, if the problem persists or is severe, talk to your doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Uncontrollable movements | Uncontrolled shaking of the hands, face, mouth, neck, or upper body. |
| Changes in blood pressure | High blood pressure or low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting, falls, extreme fatigue). |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Hallucinations, sudden changes in emotions, and the uncontrollable impulses mentioned above. |
| Sudden sleep | Falling asleep while performing normal activities (e.g., driving). |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Drowsiness | Unusually sleepy. |
| Dry mouth | The nature of saliva remaining in the mouth. |
| Trouble sleeping | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Opicapone is an additional drug that enhances the effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa medications used to treat Parkinson's disease.
- This medicine should definitely be taken on an empty stomach . That means one hour before or one hour after a meal.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of drowsiness, dizziness, and sudden sleepiness while taking the medication. If such symptoms occur, avoid driving.
- If you experience uncontrollable impulses such as gambling or unnecessary spending, tell your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
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