Stalevo

Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa pills What kind of medication is this? In the brain, L-DOPA undergoes a chemical transformation that results in the production of dopamine. Dopamine deficiency in the brain is one possible source of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. CARBIDOPA works to stop the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain and has an impact there. Levodopa levels in the body are raised as a result of entacapone use. Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa are the three medications that are typically used in conjunction with one another to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms like rigidity in the muscles, tremors, and spasms in the muscles. Before I start using this medication, what should I discuss with my primary care physician? If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate), you should not take this drug. If you have an allergy to carbidopa (Lodosyn), entacapone (Comtan), or levodopa (Larodopa), or if you have any of the following conditions, you should not use this medication: narrow-angle glaucoma; skin lesions that are not typical and have not been examined by a physician; or a family history of aggressive forms of melanoma (skin cancer). Tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical problems in order to determine whether or not you may take this medicine safely: coronary artery disease, excessive blood pressure, heart disease, a cardiac rhythm abnormality, or a previous episode of a heart attack; heart disease respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another condition; disease of the kidneys, illness of the liver, or blockage of the bile ducts; a disorder of the endocrine (hormonal) system; an ulcer in the digestive tract or stomach; glaucoma; or a depressive disorder or other form of mental disease. When you are on this drug, you can experience heightened sexual impulses, unexpected cravings to gamble, or other powerful urges. These side effects are possible but not guaranteed. Speak to your healthcare provider if you feel as though you are experiencing any strange or strong desires while taking this medication. Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa may produce hallucinations (the sensation of hearing or seeing something that is not there). If you are having hallucinations, you should contact your physician immediately. Parkinson's disease treatment has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer in some patients (melanoma). On the other hand, those who suffer from Parkinson's disease may have an increased likelihood of developing melanoma. Discuss this risk and the skin signs you should look out for with your primary care physician. You should probably get your skin checked on a regular basis. FDA pregnancy category C. It is unknown if carbidopa, entacapone, or levodopa will cause damage to a developing infant if it is used during pregnancy. When you are taking this medicine, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant in the near future. Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa have all been shown to enter breast milk, where they pose a risk to breastfeeding infants. While you are under the influence of carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa, you should not breastfeed your child. What is the correct way to take this medication? Follow the instructions given by your doctor to the letter. Use exactly as directed, neither in bigger nor lesser doses, nor for a longer period of time than is advised. Always make sure to follow the instructions on the label of your medication. To maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body at all times, you should take your medication at predetermined intervals. When you are taking this medicine, it is important that you consume a lot of fluids. It might take a few weeks before you start to see an improvement in your symptoms. You should consult your doctor if, after a few weeks of treatment, your symptoms have not improved despite your continued use of the drug as advised. Inform your healthcare provider if you feel that the effects of this drug are wearing off too soon in between dosages. Make an appointment with your primary care physician if you experience persistent nausea or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than normal. While taking this drug, it is easy to get dehydrated, which can result in dangerously low blood pressure or an electrolyte imbalance. Both of these conditions can be life-threatening. Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa should not be discontinued without first discussing this decision with your physician. It's possible that you may need to go back on your dosage gradually before you can stop taking the drug entirely. Some medical tests may provide odd findings if taken while taking this medicine. Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa are all medications that you should inform any physician who treats you that you are taking. What should I do if I forget a dose? When you realize you missed a dosage, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage, you should skip the dose that you missed. It is not necessary to take additional medication in order to make up for a missed dosage. What side effects should I be on the lookout for while I'm taking this medication? Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa have the potential to affect one's thinking as well as their emotions. While you are driving or engaging in any activity that needs you to be aware, exercise extreme caution. If you have been sitting or lying down, you should avoid getting up too quickly because you may have dizziness. In order to avoid falling, carefully stand up while keeping your balance. Steer clear of protein-rich diets and iron supplements if you want to maintain a healthy weight (protein sources include meat, eggs, and cheese). Your body may have a more difficult time digesting and absorbing carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa if you do any of these things. What potential negative reactions may I have to this medication? If you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should seek immediate medical attention: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. If you have any of the following major adverse effects, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible: Nausea, sweating, and the sensation that you could pass out are common side effects of this medicine, especially when it is initially used. symptoms such as melancholy, disorientation, hallucinations, strange thoughts or behavior, and a preoccupation with self-harm include: signs that are becoming worse, such as tremors, twitching, or movements that you can't control in your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs; severe or persistent diarrhea, intense thirst, a rise in the amount of urine passed, a loss of weight, soreness in the legs, a sense of muscular weakness or limpness, and an irregular heart rate; experiencing extreme thirst or heat, being unable to pee, profuse perspiration, or having skin that is both hot and dry; a heartbeat that is irregular, hammering, or rapid; Pain or a heavy sensation in the chest, discomfort that spreads to the arm or shoulder, and an overall feeling of illness; a sense of tightness in the chest, a cough that is either new or getting worse, fever, and difficulty breathing; a tendency to bruise or bleed easily, feces that are bloody or sticky, and coughing up blood; a painful sensation or a burning sensation as you urinate; or muscular discomfort, soreness, or weakness that cannot be explained. Among the less serious potential adverse effects are: discomfort or disturbance in the stomach, loss of appetite, and constipation; alterations to your perception of taste, as well as dry mouth; unexpected skin changes. a relatively little rash or irritation; symptoms such as sleepiness or dizziness, headache, and blurred vision; soreness in the back or the muscles; or other symptoms tension or worry, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and unusual dreaming are all symptoms. It is possible for you to observe that your perspiration, urine, or saliva have a dark color, such as a reddish, brownish, or black hue. This side effect is not dangerous in and of itself, but it could potentially stain your clothing or bed sheets. What other substances could react with this medication? The drowsiness brought on by carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa can be exacerbated by certain medications, including antihistamines, narcotic painkillers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and medicines used to treat seizures, depression, and anxiety. Talk to your primary care provider if you take any of these other medications on a regular basis, or if you take any other medications for Parkinson's disease. Inform your primary care physician about any and all additional medications you use, in particular: apomorphine, also known as Apokyn; cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran); dobutamine (Dobutrex); epinephrine (found in products such as EpiPen and others); isoniazid, which is used in the treatment of tuberculosis; isoproterenol (Isuprel, Medihaler-Iso); methyldopa (Aldomet); metoclopramide (Reglan); papaverine (Pavabid, Papacon, Pavagen, Pavacot); phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); medications to treat high blood pressure; antibiotics such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin (also known as E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole, and others), or rifampin (also known as Rifadin, Rifater, and Rifamate); an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; or a psychotherapy session. psychiatric disorders can be treated with a variety of medications, including chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), prochlorperazine (Compazine), risperidone (Risperdal), and others. This list is not exhaustive; additional medications may also have an effect on how carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa work in the body. Discuss all of the drugs you use with your primary care provider. This covers items purchased with a prescription, those bought over the counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Do not begin taking a new medicine before consulting with your primary care physician. Where exactly may I store my medication? Keep at room temperature and away from heat and moisture when storing.