Sinemet (Levodopa/Carbidopa) for Parkinson's Disease

Overview
- Approval: FDA approved in 1975.
- Uses: Treats motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, encephalitis, or exposure to carbon monoxide or manganese. May benefit those with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Vascular Parkinsonism, Multiple System Atrophy, and Show Full Answer

Sinemet (Levodopa/Carbidopa) for Parkinson's Disease

Overview:
- Approval: FDA approved in 1975.
- Uses: Treats motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, encephalitis, or exposure to carbon monoxide or manganese. May benefit those with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Vascular Parkinsonism, Multiple System Atrophy, and Corticobasal Degeneration.

Components:
- Levodopa: Precursor to Dopamine, increases Dopamine concentration in the brain.
- Carbidopa: Inhibits breakdown of Levodopa before it reaches the brain, making Levodopa effective at lower doses.

Administration:
- Form: Taken orally as a tablet.
- Frequency: Three or four times a day.
- Timing: 30 minutes to one hour before meals for better absorption. If nausea occurs, take with a small amount of carbohydrate food.

Precautions:
- Not Suitable For: People with undiagnosed skin lesions, narrow-angle glaucoma, history of melanoma, or hypersensitivity to Levodopa or Carbidopa.
- Use With Caution: In people with wide-angle glaucoma, diabetes, asthma, emphysema, mental illness, or problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, or blood vessels.
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: May not be appropriate.
- Diet: Avoid high protein or fat diets as they can interfere with absorption.
- Activities: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how Sinemet affects you.
- Withdrawal: Do not stop suddenly; consult your doctor for a gradual decrease plan.

Monitoring:
- Regular Tests: Blood tests to monitor liver, kidney, and heart function.
- Skin Checks: Regular dermatologist visits to check for melanoma.
- Eye Pressure: Regular monitoring if you have wide-angle glaucoma.

Side Effects:
- Common side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness
- Headaches, confusion, memory problems
- Nightmares, problems sleeping
- Sweating, loss of appetite, changes in taste

Additional Information:
- Switching Medications: Wait 12 hours after the final dose of Levodopa before starting Sinemet.
- Iron Supplements: Avoid taking them as they can interfere with Sinemet absorption.
- Alternative Forms: If experiencing "off" hours, Duopa (infusion system) or Stalevo (adds Entacapone) may be recommended.

For more detailed information, please refer to the [Sinemet page on MyParkinsonsTeam](https://www.MyParkinsonsTeam.com/treatments/sin...).

 This AI-generated response comes from MyParkinsonsTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Sinemet (Levodopa/Carbidopa) for Parkinson's Disease | MyParkinsonsTeam

Treatments for Parkinson’s and Parkinsonism | MyParkinsonsTeam