What does it do?

Levodopa and carbidopa is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and sometimes other conditions. Levodopa changes into dopamine in your body. Carbidopa helps get more levodopa into your brain.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung, or mental health problems, if you have ever had a stomach ulcer, or if you have glaucoma.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take levodopa and carbidopa regularly as directed with a glass of water.
Swallow the controlled release (CR) tablets whole.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with levodopa and carbidopa including:

• iron supplements (e.g. Ferro-Tab®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. kava) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain	Tell your doctor immediately
Strange or uncontrolled movements, loss of co-ordination Hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, mood changes Unusual urges (e.g. gambling, eating, spending, sex) Falling asleep without warning	Tell your doctor
Drowsiness	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Lightheaded or dizzy after standing up	Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor
Change in colour of urine, sweat or saliva (red/brown)	This is harmless
Nausea, vomiting	Take with a snack such as a cracker or biscuit

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Levodopa and carbidopa can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• Eating a lot of protein may affect how well levodopa and carbidopa works for you. Talk to your health professional about the best way for you to take levodopa and carbidopa in relation to food.
• Do not stop taking levodopa and carbidopa suddenly without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor may reduce the dose gradually.