Sinemet (Carbidopa-Levodopa) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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Sinemet Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Sinemet)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Sinemet)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose can cause uneven heart rate.

What should I avoid while taking carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet)?

Avoid taking iron supplements or eating a diet that is high in protein (protein sources include meat, eggs, and cheese). These things can make it harder for your body to digest and absorb carbidopa and levodopa. Talk with your doctor or nutrition counselor about the best foods to eat while you are taking this medication.

If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet)?

Before taking carbidopa and levodopa, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

other Parkinson's medications;
metoclopramide (Reglan);
isoniazid (Nydrazid);
phenytoin (Dilantin);
papaverine (Pavabid, Papacon, Pavagen, Pavacot);
blood pressure medication;
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; or
medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), prochlorperazine (Compazine), risperidone (Risperdal), and others;

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with carbidopa and levodopa. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about carbidopa and levodopa.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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