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Sinemet CR Medication (Carbidopa, Levodopa) - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Carbidopa, Levodopa

CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA (Sinemet® CR) is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Levodopa can help correct an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that may cause by Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa helps to decrease some side effects, such as includes nausea. Sinemet CR is a controlled-release tablet that may be given to help relieve the muscle stiffness, tremor, and weakness caused by Parkinson's disease. Sinemet CR contains two drugs such as includes carbidopa and levodopa. The drug that actually produces the anti-Parkinson's effect is levodopa and Carbidopa prevents vitamin B6 from destroying levodopa, thus allowing levodopa to work more efficiently.

Sinemet CR Dosage

• For patients with mild to moderate symptoms, the usual dose is 1 tablet of Sinemet CR taken 2 times a day.
• The usual long-term dose is 2 to 8 tablets per day, taken in divided doses every 4 to 8 hours during the waking day.

Uses of Sinemet CR

• This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is used to make levodopa more effective.
• It is also used for other medical conditions, those listed in the medication guide.

Side Effects of Sinemet CR

If you are using Sinemet CR, then discuss the side effects of Sinemet CR with your doctor and if you feel any change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Side effects of Sinemet CR may include:

• Confusion
• hallucinations
• nausea
• uncontrollable twitching or jerkin
• bleeding from stomach
• blisters
• chest pain,

Warnings and precautions before taking Sinemet CR:

• You should not be stop taking this medicine without talking with your doctor.
• You should have regular tests to monitor the function of your liver, blood, kidneys and heart while taking this medicine.
• If you feel depressed or confused, or have strange or abnormal thoughts while you are taking this medicine, then consult your doctor.
• If you are taking this medicine, then after taking you may feel some dizzy, drowsiness. So do not perform any activities where you require alertness, such as driving, machinery.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Sinemet CR, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Sinemet CR. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sinemet CR with the following:

• Antacids such as Di-Gel, Maalox, and Mylanta
• High-protein foods
• Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
• Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Mellaril, Risperdal, and Thorazine
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)
• Papaverine (Pavabid)
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil

Overdose

Too much Sinemet CR may cause muscle twitches, inability to open the eyes, or other symptoms of levodopa overdosage. After taking Sinemet CR, if you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.