Sinemet CR (Carbidopa/Levodopa)

SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) is a controlled-release tablet that may be given to help relieve the muscle stiffness, tremor, and weakness caused by Parkinson's disease. SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) may also be given to relieve Parkinson-like symptoms caused by encephalitis (brain fever), carbon monoxide poisoning, or manganese poisoning.

SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) contains two drugs, carbidopa and levodopa. The drug that actually produces the anti-Parkinson's effect is levodopa. Carbidopa prevents vitamin B6 from destroying levodopa, thus allowing levodopa to work more efficiently.

Parkinson's drugs such as SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) relieve the symptoms of the disease, but are not a permanent cure. Take SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) after meals, rather than before or between meals. Swallow the SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) tablets whole without chewing or crushing them. SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) releases its ingredients slowly over a period of 4 to 6 hours. It is important to follow a careful schedule, taking your doses of SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) at the same time every day. You should not change the prescribed dosage of SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) or add another product for Parkinson's disease without first consulting your doctor. SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Try not to miss any doses of SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa), and take SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) at evenly spaced intervals day and night.

SINEMET CR side effects cannot be anticipated. If any SINEMET CR side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine if you might be prone to SINEMET CR side effects. More common SINEMET CR side effects may include: Confusion, hallucinations, nausea, uncontrollable twitching or jerking Less common or rare SINEMET CR side effects may include: Abdominal or stomach pain, abnormal dreams, agitation, anemia, anxiety, back pain, bizarre breathing patterns, bleeding from stomach, blisters, blurred vision, burning sensation of tongue, chest pain, clumsiness in walking, common cold, constipation, convulsions, cough, dark saliva, dark sweat, dark urine, delusions, depression, diarrhea, dilated pupils, disorientation, dizziness, dizziness upon rising from a sitting or lying position, double vision, dream abnormalities, drooling, drowsiness, dry mouth, euphoria, eyelid twitching, faintness, falling, fatigue, fever, flatulence, fluid retention, flushing, hair loss, headache, heart attack, heart palpitations, heartburn, hiccups, high or low blood pressure, hoarseness, hot flashes, increased sex drive, increased tremor, insomnia or other sleep problems, irregular heartbeat, leg pain, locked jaw, loss of appetite, malignant melanoma, memory problems, mental changes, muscle cramps, muscle twitching, nervousness, numbness, "on-off" phenomena, paralysis of certain muscles and unwanted movement of others, paranoia, persistent erection, phlebitis (swelling of a vein), rash, rolling eyes, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, slowed physical movements, sore throat, speech impairment, stomach ulcer, suicidal tendencies, swallowing difficulties, sweating, taste changes, teeth-grinding, tingling or pins and needles, upper respiratory infection, upset stomach, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary tract infections, weakness, weight loss or gain, writhing or flailing movements, vomiting

Recommended dosage Your doctor will tailor your individual dosage carefully, depending on your response to previous therapy and symptoms. ADULTS: For patients with mild to moderate symptoms, the initial recommended dose is 1 tablet of Sinemet CR taken 2 times a day. Starting doses should be spaced out every 4 to 8 hours and then adjusted to each patient's individual response. The usual long-term dose is 2 to 8 tablets per day, taken in divided doses every 4 to 8 hours during the waking day. Higher doses (12 or more tablets per day) and shorter intervals (less than 4 hours) have been used, but are not usually recommended. When doses of SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) are given at intervals of less than 4 hours, and/or if the divided doses are not equal, it is recommended that the smaller doses be given at the end of the day. An interval of at least 3 days between dosage adjustments is recommended. Dosage adjustment of SINEMET CR (levodopa/carbidopa) may be necessary if your doctor prescribes additional medications.