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I Am Just About To Start Carbidopa Levidopa.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
West Orange, NJ

My pharmacy just gave me the generic version. Should I be concerned, or should I speak to my neurologist? Not sure if I should wait for a brand name of the drug before starting it. I am weaning off the Neupro patch because I had some foot swelling. Please advise!! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Peace and love❤️🌈

June 10, 2023 (edited)
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi WendySue, I have taken Carbidopa/Levodopa for over 10 years, and I’be also had no problem with this. Just be sure to have a little non-protein snack like a cracker or two with it so it doesn’t bother your stomach. To get the best effect from the meds, have any protein either an hour before the meds or half hour after the meds.

June 10, 2023
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Wendy Sue Hi 👋 I have been on carbidopa levodopa for 20.5 years now and had the generic version with no problem at all 😀.4times a day I hope 🍀 this message finds you well 🙏.
Take care of yourself 💞 and be blessed 🙏 Julie Olson 2 😊 hug 🫂 for you sweetie 🥰,

June 10, 2023
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi Wendy, you probably have enough input, but I thought I would add one more. Sorry this is so long. There’s so much to say about this subject! I started generic Carbidopa/Levidopa about 6 months ago. I would have preferred the name brand but my pharmacist told me that it will be discontinued in the near future. My dose is 25-100 3x per day. I chose 9 am before breakfast, 1:00pm before lunch and 5:00 before dinner. It’s supposed to last for 4 hours. My doctor said that protein is not a problem for most people. He instructed ne to take the med WITH food, or 15 to 30 minutes before if it didn’t seem to be working. He told me that you can also take it without protein and hour before and 2 hours after meals. You have to figure out what works for you. I started with a lower dose and gradually increased to prevent nausea. I have not had any problems. I take it 15 to 30 minutes before meals. As your body adjusts, you can take it with just a cracker or small snack, and then nothing. It’s not consistent for me regardless of how I take it. This seems pretty common. I notice that the optimal time is mid dose and only about 2 hours. I am reluctant to increase the dose because of side effects. It causes an off balance feeling for me. I do not have this when it wears off, so I know it’s the medication. I would like to hear others’ experiences about this side effect, how long the med lasts and whether or not side effects increase with dosage increase. I notice that exercise really helps a lot. I. Here’s to hoping for a cure in the near future!!

June 13, 2023
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I'm off of it now. Hope you get it straightened out. I was able to stop taking it.

November 30, 2023
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Herlinda 2 What does your neurologist say? It might be helpful to keep a log of when it happens and what else might have occurred. Sometimes it can help the Drs find a pattern and readjust meds.
🌈TheaD

October 29, 2023

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