Tracking your symptoms and the effectiveness of Stalevo is a great idea. Here are some key points about Stalevo from the knowledge base:
- Dosage and Administration:
- Stalevo is taken orally as a tablet up to eight times a day.
- Take one whole tablet with each dose; do not split, crush, or chew.
- It should be t... read more
Tracking your symptoms and the effectiveness of Stalevo is a great idea. Here are some key points about Stalevo from the knowledge base:
- Dosage and Administration:
- Stalevo is taken orally as a tablet up to eight times a day.
- Take one whole tablet with each dose; do not split, crush, or chew.
- It should be taken at the same times each day.
- Take Stalevo 30 minutes to one hour before eating a meal for efficient absorption.
- If you experience nausea, you may take it with a small amount of carbohydrate food, such as a plain cracker.
- Dietary Considerations:
- Avoid taking iron supplements or eating a diet high in protein or fat while taking Stalevo, as these can interfere with absorption.
- Side Effects:
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, headaches, confusion, memory problems, nightmares, problems sleeping, sweating, loss of appetite, or changes in the sense of taste.
- Serious side effects include fast, pounding heartbeat, fainting, fever, rigid or painful muscles, trouble breathing, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, depression, increased urge to have sex or gamble, stools containing blood, vomit containing blood, dark-colored urine, hoarseness, or abnormal body movements.
- Precautions:
- Regular blood tests to monitor liver, kidney, and heart function.
- Examine your skin regularly for changes and visit your dermatologist regularly to check for signs of melanoma.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how Stalevo affects you.
- Switching Medications:
- Do not begin taking Stalevo within two weeks of taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
- If switching from Levodopa to Stalevo, wait 12 hours after your final dose of Levodopa before taking your first dose of Stalevo.
- Withdrawal:
- You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Stalevo suddenly. Consult your doctor for a plan to decrease your dosage gradually.
By keeping a detailed log of your symptoms and the timing of your medication, you can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider to optimize your treatment plan.
posted July 23