Safely Buy Sinemet CR ( Carbidopa/Levodopa ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Carbidopa and levodopa are a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as stiffness or tremors.

Carbidopa and levodopa are also used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication.

Carbidopa and levodopa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use and Dosage

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day. Doses are usually taken 4 to 8 hours apart while awake.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

Taking this medication with food may help to decrease nausea. It is best to avoid a high-protein diet (it decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Separate your dose of this medication by as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of this medication absorbed by the body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are switching from immediate-release levodopa/carbidopa to this product, your doctor may slightly increase your dose of this medication to get the same response. This medication may take a little longer to work in the morning than the immediate-release medication because it is absorbed more slowly. Let your doctor know if this becomes a problem.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Your doctor may also prescribe immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa or carbidopa alone to be taken with this medication. Make sure you understand your dosing schedule and follow it closely.

Some patients may experience a “wearing-off” (worsening of symptoms) before the next dose is due. An “on-off” effect might also occur, in which sudden short periods of stiffness occur. If these effects occur, contact your doctor for possible dose adjustments that may help to lessen this effect.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this medication is suddenly stopped. Also, if you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, muscle stiffness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious side effects include:

• Uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, or blinking or eye movement)
• Worsening of tremors (uncontrolled shaking)
• Severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Severe nervous system reaction–very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, or feeling like you might pass out

Some people taking carbidopa and levodopa have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking carbidopa and levodopa. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

You may notice that your sweat, urine, or saliva appears dark in color, such as red, brown, or black. This is not a harmful side effect, but it may cause staining of your clothes or bed sheets.

Common side effects of carbidopa and levodopa may include:

• Jerky or twisting muscle movements
• Headache or dizziness
• Low blood pressure (feeling light-headed)
• Sleep problems or strange dreams
• Dry mouth
• Muscle contractions
• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to carbidopa or levodopa; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems (such as asthma), heart disease (such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, stomach/intestinal ulcer, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, schizophrenia), blood disorders, seizures, sleep disorders.
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Levodopa passes into breast milk in small amounts and may affect how much milk you make. It is unknown if carbidopa passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Sinemet CR is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Carbidopa/Levodopa Prolonged Release Tablet:
  • 25/100 mg
  • 25/200 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

What should I avoid while taking carbidopa and levodopa?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how carbidopa and levodopa will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid taking iron supplements or eating a diet high in protein. These things can make it harder for your body to digest and absorb carbidopa and levodopa. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about the best foods to eat or avoid.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-16166/sinemet-cr-oral/details
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/019856s025lbl.pdf
3. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/carbidopa-and-levodopa.html#side-effects