Information on Carbidopa-Levodopa

Healthcare providers often recommend carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet®) as a Parkinson's disease treatment. It can also relieve Parkinson-like symptoms due to encephalitis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and manganese poisoning. The tablets are typically taken three to four times a day, although specific factors will affect dosing guidelines.
 
Because this medication is not appropriate for everyone, your healthcare provider needs information on your complete medical history before prescribing carbidopa-levodopa. Glaucoma, lung problems of any kind, and any mental illness are among the conditions that may preclude the use of this drug. In addition, signs that a person may have overdosed on this product include confusion, a rapid heart rate, and nausea, among other things.
 
(For more information, click Carbidopa-Levodopa. This article presents a detailed overview of this drug, including possible side effects, how it works, and whether it is available in generic form.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD