Parkinson's Disease

Important Information

	Do not stop taking carbidopa and levodopa suddenly. It may take several weeks before you feel the full effects of this medicine. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse.
	Do not crush or chew any controlled-release forms of carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet CR). They are specially formulated to release slowly into your system. If necessary, the tablets can be split in half where they are scored, then swallowed without crushing or chewing.
	Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Carbidopa and levodopa may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
	Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs; fever; or increased body heat.

Do Not Take Carbidopa and Levodopa If..

	If you are already taking levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar), you will have to stop taking it at least12 hours before you take your first dose of carbidopa and levodopa.
	Do not take carbidopa and levodopa if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the past 14 days.

Donot take this medication if you have:

	Narrow-angle glaucoma (angle closure glaucoma), or
	Current or past history of malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer).
	Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
	Any kind of heart disease, including high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, a previous heart attack, or an irregular heartbeat;
	Respiratory disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd);
	Liver disease;
	Kidney disease;
	An endocrine (hormonal) disease;
	A stomach or intestinal ulcer;
	Wide-angle glaucoma; or
	Depression or any other psychiatric disorder.

You may not be able to take carbidopa and levodopa, or you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking carbidopa and levodopa and seek emergency medical attention:

	An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
	Uncontrolled movements of a part of your body
	Seizures
	Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
	An irregular heartbeat or fluttering in your Chest
	Unusual changes in mood or behavior or
	Depression or suicidal thoughts.

Other Side Effects

The following side reactions are less serious and are more likely to occur. Continue to take carbidopa and levodopa and talk to your doctor if you experience:

	Mild nausea
	Vomiting
	Decreased Appetite
	Constipation
	Dry mouth
	Blurred vision;
	Hand tremor
	Muscle twitches
	Dizziness or drowsiness
	Insomnia
	Confusion
	Nightmares
	Agitation
	Anxiety
	Darkening of your urine, sweat, or saliva
	Fatigue.

Drug Interactions

Before taking carbidopa and levodopa, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

	Antacids
	Iron supplements or vitamin supplements containing iron
	Metoclopramide (reglan)
	Isoniazid (nydrazid)
	Phenytoin (dilantin)
	A medicine to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
	A tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (elavil), doxepin (sinequan), nortriptyline (pamelor), desipramine (norpramin), amoxapine (asendin), and others; or
	A medicine used to treat psychiatric conditions (and nausea and vomiting) such as chlorpromazine (thorazine), Prochlorperazine (compazine), promethazine (phenergan), fluphenazine (prolixin), mesoridazine (serentil), Thioridazine (mellaril), trifluoperazine (stelazine), or haloperidol (haldol).

You may not be able to take carbidopa and levodopa, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.