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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question đź’­
Milford, CT
August 25, 2024
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Certainly! Here is detailed information about Carbidopa as specified in the knowledge base:

Carbidopa Overview
- Combination Drug: Carbidopa is often combined with Levodopa to form a prescription drug used to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and other types of Parkinsonism
- Mechanism of Action: Carbidopa Show Full Answer

Certainly! Here is detailed information about Carbidopa as specified in the knowledge base:

Carbidopa Overview
- Combination Drug: Carbidopa is often combined with Levodopa to form a prescription drug used to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and other types of Parkinsonism.
- Mechanism of Action: Carbidopa works by inhibiting the breakdown of Levodopa into Dopamine before it reaches the brain. This increases the amount of Levodopa that reaches the brain, making it effective at significantly lower doses.
- Brand Names: The combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa is sold under various brand names, including Sinemet, Parcopa, and Duopa.

Usage and Administration
- Forms: It can be taken orally as a tablet or disintegrating tablet, or as an infusion into the small intestine.
- Dietary Considerations: Avoid taking iron supplements or eating a diet high in protein or fat while on [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]], as these can interfere with absorption.
- Precautions: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how the medication affects you. Do not begin taking it within two weeks of taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.

Monitoring and Side Effects
- Regular Monitoring: Your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor liver, kidney, and heart function. Regular dermatological exams are also recommended to check for signs of melanoma.
- Common Side Effects: 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: Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a fast, pounding heartbeat, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, depression, increased urge to have sex or gamble, stools containing blood or a tarry substance.

Special Considerations
- Not Suitable For: People with undiagnosed skin lesions, narrow-angle glaucoma, or a history of melanoma. It is also not suitable for those who have shown hypersensitivity to Levodopa or Carbidopa.
- Caution Required: In people with wide-angle glaucoma, diabetes, asthma, emphysema, mental illness, or problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, or blood vessels.

Additional Information
- Withdrawal: You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]] suddenly. Consult your doctor for a plan to decrease your dosage gradually.
- Effectiveness: [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]] is considered the most effective treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and some types of Parkinsonism.

For more detailed information, always consult your healthcare provider.

August 25, 2024
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >

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