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Can Levodopa And Amlodipine Be Taken Together?
Question: I have been taking levodopa/carbidopa for about a month as a trial to r/o Parkinsonism. I am also taking amlodipine for moderate hypertension. Are there any significant bad interactions between these drugs?
Neurologist has decided that the trial of levodopa/carbidopa has not indicated that Parkinson disease is a likely diagnosis and recommends that I taper the dose as I quit taking it. I have been taking the 2 pill dose TID for about a month. I need a recommendation on how I should taper the dose as I stop taking it. Could you give me a recommendation of a schedule for cessation of taking this drug. I am concerned about safe way to cease taking the drug. Have read about the severe Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome occurring if cessation is not done right. Please advise. ZLH
Neurologist has decided that the trial of levodopa/carbidopa has not indicated that Parkinson disease is a likely diagnosis and recommends that I taper the dose as I quit taking it. I have been taking the 2 pill dose TID for about a month. I need a recommendation on how I should taper the dose as I stop taking it. Could you give me a recommendation of a schedule for cessation of taking this drug. I am concerned about safe way to cease taking the drug. Have read about the severe Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome occurring if cessation is not done right. Please advise. ZLH
Brief Answer:
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Carbidopa and levodopa increase the effect of Amlodepin. One normally requires smaller doses of Amlodepin to control the blood pressure when on the combination than without the combination.
So when you taper Carbidopa/levodopa, your blood pressure has to be monitored closely and a dose of Amlodipine may have to be increased or you may require an additional medicine depending on your blood pressure readings.
The tapering and stopping the Carbidopa/levodopa has to be done gradually. From the total daily dose, one tablet per week is okay in most people. If there are any symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
As mentioned before, your BP has to be monitored frequently and controlled.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Noble Zachariah, Internal Medicine Specialist
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Carbidopa and levodopa increase the effect of Amlodepin. One normally requires smaller doses of Amlodepin to control the blood pressure when on the combination than without the combination.
So when you taper Carbidopa/levodopa, your blood pressure has to be monitored closely and a dose of Amlodipine may have to be increased or you may require an additional medicine depending on your blood pressure readings.
The tapering and stopping the Carbidopa/levodopa has to be done gradually. From the total daily dose, one tablet per week is okay in most people. If there are any symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
As mentioned before, your BP has to be monitored frequently and controlled.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Noble Zachariah, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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