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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Does Prolonged Carbidopa-Levodopa Intake Affect The Health?

I am a five year user of carbidopa-levodopa. I have had good luck with it until the last few days. It hasn t give me a break for the last four days. I read that if you over-use you are in danger of losing your rhythm with this medication. Would you explain this and tell us when and how to get it back? Thank you very much.
Mon, 10 Sep 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Levodopa is a very effective drug to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, unfortunately, the big problem with the drug is that with time it loses its effectiveness and causes more and more side effects. This may occur in a few years after its use.

To reduce it we may try:
1. To start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose of tolerated. So if your symptoms are not controlled you may increase the dose. If side effects are too much then reduce the dose.
2. Another way is to use other drugs with it that may reduce its need. Like we can use Ropinirole or Entacapone etc which are the different class of drugs.

To be honest, sometimes it becomes very difficult to manage.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Does Prolonged Carbidopa-Levodopa Intake Affect The Health?

Hi, Levodopa is a very effective drug to control symptoms of Parkinson s disease. However, unfortunately, the big problem with the drug is that with time it loses its effectiveness and causes more and more side effects. This may occur in a few years after its use. To reduce it we may try: 1. To start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose of tolerated. So if your symptoms are not controlled you may increase the dose. If side effects are too much then reduce the dose. 2. Another way is to use other drugs with it that may reduce its need. Like we can use Ropinirole or Entacapone etc which are the different class of drugs. To be honest, sometimes it becomes very difficult to manage. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.