Prescription Required
Description
What is Sinemet CR (Carbidopa/Levodopa) prescribed for?
Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by too little of a naturally occurring substance in the brain, known as dopamine. The disease affects the nerve cells that create the dopamine. In a area of your brain called the substantia nigra, cells that create dopamine being to die, and dopamine has a very important job. It acts like a messenger that tells another part of your body when you want to move a part of your body. When the cells that creates the dopamine start to die, your dopamine levels begin to drop, and when it becomes too low, you begin to lose control over your movements. These may be the first signs of Parkinson’s disease.
This medication is a combination of two drugs: Carbidopa and Levodopa. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, and contributes to controlling the movement of the dopamine. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of the levodopa in the bloodstream so the levodopa may ender the brain. Carbidopa can also reduce some of levodop’s side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Directions
This medication is taken by mouth, with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Usually taken 2 to 3 times a day. Doses are usually taken 4 to 8 hours apart while awake. Remember the dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to treatment.
Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
Taking this medication with food may help decrease nausea. However it is best to avoid a high protein diet during your treatment. Be sure to separate your dose of this medication be as many hours as possible if you are taking an iron supplements or products containing iron. Since iron can reduce the amount of medication your body is absorbed.
Cautions
Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic Carbidopa or Levodopa; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
It is best to inform your doctor of your medical history. Therefore, it is best to speak with your doctor if you have ever suffered from any of the following; liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems (such as asthma), heart disease (such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, stomach/intestinal ulcer, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, schizophrenia), blood disorders, seizures, sleep disorders.
Side Effects
While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, or headache may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.
This medication may cause saliva, urine, or sweat to turn a dark color. This effect is harmless, but your clothes may be stained.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: new/worsening movements you can't control/spasms, greatly increased eye blinking/twitching, fainting, vision changes (such as blurred vision, double vision), eye pain, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, depression, thoughts of suicide), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away), easy bleeding/bruising, unusual tiredness, tingling of the hands/feet, unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain.
Abruptly stopping or reducing the dose of this medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, unusual muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
FAQs
What is Sinemet CR?
Sinemet CR is a sustained-release tablet that contains two drugs within one. They are Carbidopa and Levodopa. This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or of Parkinson’s-like symptoms such as shakiness, stiffness, and difficulties in moving. When taken each drug does something different. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement. Whereas Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, so more levodopa can enter the brain. This medication comes in two different strengths which are 25mg/100mg and 50mg/200mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.
How long does it take for Sinemet CR to work?
It generally takes about 30 minutes to become effective, however there are at times the first morning dose may be delayed for up to an hour.
What are the side effects of Sinemet CR?
Some of the more common side effects to this medication are as follows; Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, strange dreams, headache, dry mouth, loss of appetite, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, blurred vision, sneezing, stuffy nose, cough, other cold symptoms, muscle pain, numbness, skin rash or itching. Keep in mind that these are not the only side effects listed for this medication. If you are experiencing any of these side effects be sure to speak with your doctor if they persist or worsen.
How to take Sinemet CR?
This medication is taken orally with or without food, and usually 2 to 3 times a day. However, be sure that doses are taken 4 to 8 hours apart while awake. Do not crush or chew on this medication, and do not split the tablet either, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Be sure to swallow the pull whole.
How long does Sinemet CR stay in your system?
The half-life for this medication is generally about 60 to 90 minutes. So it can take 2 to 4 hours before this drug is eliminated from your system. This of course depends on the dose; it can also last in your system from 4 to 6 hours as well.
How much does Sinemet CR cost?
Sinemet falls in line with Medicare’s Tier 2 of their formulary. Tier 2 drugs are usually referred to as “non-preferred generics”. Which in turn means these medications may be a bit more expensive. However, there may more affordable options much like an online Canadian Pharmacy, such as My Drug Center. We have a starting price of $75.00 for 100 pills.
Who makes Sinemet CR?
Sinemet is marketed and manufactured by a American multinational pharmaceutical company known as Merch & Co. It is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. However, they do call New Jersey home.
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