[[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]] is a combination prescription drug used to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and other types of Parkinsonism, such as those caused by encephalitis or exposure to carbon monoxide or manganese. It is sold under the brand names Sinemet, Parcopa, and Duopa.

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[[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]] is a combination prescription drug used to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and other types of Parkinsonism, such as those caused by encephalitis or exposure to carbon monoxide or manganese. It is sold under the brand names Sinemet, Parcopa, and Duopa.

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

- Usage:
- Not suitable for people with undiagnosed skin lesions, narrow-angle glaucoma, or a history of melanoma.
- Caution is advised for those with wide-angle glaucoma, diabetes, asthma, emphysema, mental illness, or problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, or blood vessels.
- May not be appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

- Administration:
- Available as tablets, disintegrating tablets, or as an infusion.
- Avoid taking iron supplements or a diet high in protein or fat as they can interfere with absorption.
- Regular monitoring of liver, kidney, and heart function is necessary.
- Examine skin regularly for changes and visit a dermatologist to check for signs of melanoma.
- If you have wide-angle glaucoma, regular monitoring of intraocular pressure is required.

- Side Effects:
- Common side effects include nausea and vomiting.
- Withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medication is stopped suddenly; a gradual decrease in dosage is recommended.

- Precautions:
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how the medication affects you.
- Do not begin taking [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]] within two weeks of taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
- If switching from Levodopa alone to [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]], wait 12 hours after the final dose of Levodopa before starting [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]].

Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly when taking [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]] and consult them before switching between drug brands or formulations.

 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.

Levodopa/Carbidopa for Parkinson's Disease | MyParkinsonsTeam

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