Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Carbidopa-Levodopa as follows:
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Carbidopa-Levodopa carries the risk of causing rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Hypertension, secondary to Carbidopa-Levodopa intake, can lead to episodes of headache, nose bleeds, blurred vision, chest pain, pounding sensation in the neck and ears, and confusion.
- Individuals with history of poorly controlled blood pressure can be at risk for stroke, secondary to elevated blood pressure with Carbidopa-Levodopa. Individuals can present with symptoms of stroke such as, numbness or weakness, especially in one half of the body, poor balance, problems with speech and/or vision, severe headache, and confusion.
- Carbidopa-Levodopa intake also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias, leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
