Sinemet, also known as carbidopa-levodopa, is a medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa can treat the symptoms of shakiness, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Parkinson’s disease is progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. This disease is thought to be caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, which helps better control movement.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this drug by mouth with or without food. Taking Sinemet with food may decrease feelings of nausea.
• This drug is typically taken 3 to 4 times a day.
• These drugs come in many different strengths of levodopa and carbidopa, so make sure you have the correct strength of both drugs.
• Carbidopa may also be prescribed alone along with Sinemet.
• Use this drug regularly to get the most benefit from it.
• In some patients, a feeling of worsening symptoms may occur before the next dose, resulting in feelings of stiffness. Tell your doctor if this occurs often.
• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a medical history of liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems, heart disease, stomach ulcers, mood disorders, blood disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This drug is used during pregnancy when clearly needed.

You should also know:

• Levodopa passes into breast milk and can affect how much milk a woman produces.
• Consuming alcohol or cannabis may increase the side effects of dizziness or drowsiness.

Common side effects of Sinemet include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual dreams
• Headache
• Darkening or saliva, urine, or sweat - this side effect is harmless, but can stain clothes

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of carbidopa-levodopa.

• Increased eye blinking, twitching
• Eye pain or vision changes
• Severe stomach pain
• Black or tarry stools
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Unusual tiredness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid breathing

Do any drugs interact with Sinemet?

It is vital to separate your dose of Sinemet by as many hours as possible from any iron supplements, like vitamin supplements. Iron can reduce the amount of medication absorbed by the body. Tell your doctor if you take supplements that contain iron.