DID YOU KNOW? CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA

Carbidopa-Levodopa is the classic pharmaceutical combination to treat Parkinson’s. Levodopa converts into dopamine—the neurotransmitter that helps control movement, mood, and memory—in the brain. Carbidopa supports the levodopa by preventing the body from breaking levodopa down before it crosses the blood-brain barrier. It reduces some of the side effects associated with levodopa. Carbidopa-Levodopa is typically prescribed via immediate or extended-release tablets and capsules. It can also be taken via intestinal gel pumped to the small intestine (like the Duopa pump) or inhaled via dry powder aerosol like Inbrija.  

Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, lowered blood pressure, confusion, dyskinesia, hallucinations, sleepiness, or impulsivity. Side effects may worsen over time and should be tracked and discussed with your doctor. 

What you eat when you take carbidopa-levodopa may impact how well your body receives it. To manage side effects like nausea, consider taking ginger tea along with your dose, or consuming a simple snack like graham crackers or soup crackers to settle your stomach. If you experience more severe nausea and upset stomach, you may need to take your dose with a heartier snack or meal. Some individuals experience reduced benefit if they take the medication alongside a high protein meal. If so, it is recommended to avoid proteins for 30 minutes before and 60 minutes after the meal. Iron supplements may also reduce absorption. 

It is important to always discuss changes in medication with your doctor, and to understand how all the medications you take interfere with each other.  Make sure your pharmacist knows of all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins.