|
Before using Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have kidney, liver, or endocrine disease if you have a history of psychosis or depression if you have severe heart disease or a history of heart attack if you have severe lung disease if you have asthma if you have a history of peptic ulcer if you wide-angle glaucoma if you have any other medical condition |
How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully follow the dosing schedule given to you by your health care provider. It may take several weeks to a few months to notice the benefit from use of Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) because the dose is carefully adjusted over time. Swallow Tablet whole. Do not crush or chew them. Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) may cause upset stomach. Take with food at regular intervals. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal syndrome associated with Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa). Symptoms include the following: Increased body heat; rigid muscles; changes in mental abilities, including lack of response to the environment, irregular pulse, increased heart rate; sweating; irregular heart rhythm. Contact your doctor at once if these occur. Gradually increase physical activity as your symptoms improve. Notify your doctor if you experience uncontrollable movements of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, neck, arms, hands, or legs; mood or mental changes; difficult urination; swelling of the arms and legs; or shortness of breath. A dark color (red, brown, or black) may appear in your saliva, urine, or sweat after taking Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa). This is not harmful. Foods that are high in protein, iron salts, or acid may reduce the effects of Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa). Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) may cause dizziness or lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a seated or lying position. If these symptoms occur, sit or lie down and contact your doctor. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa). Drinking alcohol may cause dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, or dizziness when standing up. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Diabetic patients - Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) may interfere with tests for sugar in the urine and give false test results. Report any unusual results to your doctor before changing the dosage of your diabetes medications. Stop taking nonselective MAO inhibitors at least 14 days before taking Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa). If you are uncertain whether your other medicines contain an MAO inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Do not change the dose or stop taking unless advised by your doctor. Suddenly stopping treatment may cause muscle stiffness, involuntary movement, altered consciousness, increased body temperature, fast heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, and mental changes. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
|
