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The combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement. It also may improve your gait (walk), posture, swallowing, speech, handwriting, vigor, alertness, and sense of well-being and may control excess salivation and seborrhea (oily, crusty, scaly skin). Levodopa and Carbidopa is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Levodopa and Carbidopa comes as a regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. Levodopa and Carbidopa usually is taken three or four times a day. You may have to take Levodopa and Carbidopa for several months before you feel its full effect. It may be needed for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Levodopa and Carbidopa exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Levodopa and Carbidopa suddenly without talking with your doctor. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return. If you are switching from levodopa (Dopar or Larodopa) to the combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa (Sinemet), wait at least 8 hours after your last dose of levodopa to take your first dose of Levodopa and Carbidopa drug. Do not cut, crush, or chew the extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. |