Carbidopa 25 is usually used along with levodopa to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease like the motor difficulties. Carbidopa has to be used with levodopa for best results. Mere intake of only Carbidopa does not really have any effect on the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa is used to increase the level of dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa with is basically does not allow the former to break down before reaching the brain. Another important reason to use Carbidopa is that it reduces the side effects caused by levodopa to some extent.
How Can Carbidopa be Used?
Carbidopa is usually taken orally according to the doses prescribed by the doctor. Carbidopa 25mg may be prescribed in combination with the levodopa drug. The patient should remember that he should not abruptly stop taking this medicine. In case if the patient experiences side effects, he should report it to the doctor. The doctor may modify the doses if required.
What are the Usual Side Effects of Carbidopa?
A detailed knowledge about the side effects related to carbidopa should be taken from the doctor. Some of the side effects include-
Dizziness: The common side effects may include a group of symptoms like dizziness, nauseated feeling, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Dark Color Urine: Carbidopa in some patients may happen to cause the urine and sweat turn into a darker colour. This may stain the clothes, but should be remembered that this is not harmful.
Sleepiness: The patient may complain of having unusual dreams. While yet others may either feel sleepy throughout the day, or not sleep at all.
Worsening: It is seen that the side effects of the combination of the carbidopa and levodopa drug worsens if the patient is known to consume lot of alcohol.
Double Vision: It is important to report the doctor in case the patient experiences some form of vision changes like double vision or blurred vision.
Suicidal Thoughts: Patient may feel depressed and agitated. He may also have thoughts of killing himself.
Prone to Bruising: The patient may be prone to bruising and bleeding.
Fatigue: In case the patient experiences extreme tiredness and even some unusual sensations in hands and feet he should inform the doctor.
What are the Precautions To Taken Before Starting A Dose Of Carbidopa?
Carbidopa comes with its own set of side effects as mentioned. Thus, it is important to know of the possible precautions to be taken-
Previous Allergies: The first and the most important precaution to take before starting any medicine including Carbidopa is to let the doctor know if the patient has any kind of allergies from any medicines and their allied combination.
No Driving: Carbidopa is known to bring dizziness in the patient. Thus, after a dosage, the patient should avoid driving or using heavy machinery
No Alcohol: It is important to reduce the consumption of alcohol as it might interfere with the working of Carbidopa and other related medication given in combination.
Drug Usage History: In case the patient has a history of any other forms of drugs or treatment, he must report it to the doctor before taking the medicine.
Liver, Kidney, Heart Diseases: The patient in fact should mention of the history of any disease related to liver, kidney and heart if he had in the past. Presence of gastric ulcers or glaucoma should be mentioned to the doctor.
Seizures: The patient should mention if he has any neurological diseases like seizures.
Pregnant: It is crucial to let the doctor know if the patient is pregnant or even planning to start a family. This is because Carbidopa has serious side effects in pregnancy and thus the doctor should have knowledge of it.
