Part Two of Sinemet Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of carbidopa and levodopa?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking carbidopa and levodopa and seek emergency medical attention:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • uncontrolled movements of a part of your body;
    • seizures;
    • severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
    • an irregular heartbeat or fluttering in your chest;
    • unusual changes in mood or behavior; or
    • depression or suicidal thoughts.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take carbidopa and levodopa and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • mild nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
    • constipation, dry mouth, or blurred vision;
    • hand tremor;
    • muscle twitches;
    • dizziness or drowsiness;
    • insomnia, confusion, or nightmares;
    • agitation or anxiety;
    • darkening of your urine, sweat, or saliva; or
    • fatigue.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect carbidopa and levodopa?

  • You cannot take carbidopa and levodopa if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the past 14 days.
  • If you are already taking levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar) you will have to stop taking it at least 12 hours before you take your first dose of carbidopa and levodopa.
  • Before taking carbidopa and levodopa, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
    • antacids;
    • iron supplements or vitamin supplements containing iron;
    • metoclopramide (Reglan);
    • isoniazid (Nydrazid);
    • phenytoin (Dilantin);
    • a medicine to treat high blood pressure (hypertension);
    • a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), desipramine (Norpramin), amoxapine (Asendin), and others; or
    • a medicine used to treat psychiatric conditions (and nausea and vomiting) such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promethazine (Phenergan), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), or haloperidol (Haldol).
  • You may not be able to take carbidopa and levodopa, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Levodopa may interfere with urine tests for sugar and ketones. If you are diabetic and notice changes in your urine test results, talk to your doctor before making any changes in your diabetes medication.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with carbidopa and levodopa. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has more information about carbidopa and levodopa written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 4.06. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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