Generic Sinemet

Sinemet can also be generically prescribed as carbidopa-levodopa tablets and is commonly used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or other disease that cause similar symptoms. Symptoms such as tremors and muscular spasms can be relieved with the use of Sinemet. Sinemet is an antidyskinetic combination drug, using levodopa to calm the symptoms the brain sends out to the body and using carbidopa to help get the medication to the appropriate sectors of the brain.

Sinemet is not appropriate for all patients and it is vital that a thorough medical history is assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes skin cancer (past or present), narrow angle glaucoma, skin growths, or previous allergic reactions to the ingredients in Sinemet can not take this medication. Patients who have taken an MAOI in the previous 14 days also can not take this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes mood disorders, mental problems, heart disease, high or low blood pressure, asthma or other lung problems, heart attack, hormone irregularities, stomach bleeding, intestinal bleeding, ulcers, seizures, irregular heartbeat, liver problems, kidney problems, or glaucoma may or may not be able to take Sinemet. Some patients may require careful monitoring with a medical history which includes any of these, it depends on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Sinemet as a pregnancy risk category C. It has yet to be determined whether or not Sinemet will cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. As well, it has yet to be determined whether or not Sinemet will pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid giving this medication to women who are pregnant or nursing.

A certain risk of severe side effects or an allergic is present when starting a new medication. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Patients who are experiencing an allergic reaction require emergency medical attention. Serious side effects also require emergency medical attention. Serious side effects are likely to include symptoms such as severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, seizures, uncontrollable body movements, irregular heart rate, the sensation of heart flutters, significant changes in attitude or behavior, or depression and suicidal thoughts.

Less serious side effects may also be a factor, although less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical care. Patients should be urged to report all side effects in order to accurately determine the dosage of medication required. Side effects such as blurry vision, constipation, dry mouth, mild vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, hand tremors, agitation, muscle twitches, anxiety, fatigue, and an unusual dark color of the urine, sweat, saliva, or other bodily fluids are more common and are generally annoying but not hazardous.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with the use of Sinemet, and a thorough medical history which includes a list of current medications should be understood prior to prescribing Sinemet. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medication which includes the use of any over the counter medication, vitamin supplements, or herbal remedies. Medications with known interactions with Sinemet include iron supplements, vitamin supplements which contain iron, antacids, tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, isoniazid, metoclompramide, anti-nauseal medications, medications which treat hypertension, and medications which treat psychiatric disorders. Patients who have taken an MAOI in the previous 14 days may experience life threatening interactions if Sinemet is taken while the MAOI is still in the body’s system. At least 14 days must pass between the first dose of Sinemet and the last dose of the MAOI, as well as the opposite drugs introduction. Sinemet may also alter the glucose levels in diabetic patients.