Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Sinemet as follows:
- Patients with history of mood disorders, secondary to sinemet intake, can experience deterioration and worsening of symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with worsening complaints such as, feeling low and depressed, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts. Sinemet intake can also lead to uncontrollable urges in individuals, prompting them for unusual behaviors, such as, uncontrollable shopping, gambling, drinking alcohol, and having sex. Sinemet must be administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of mood disorders and uncontrollable urges.
- Sinemet carries the risk of aggravating some underlying cardiac arrhythmias leading to severe debility and death. Sinemet must be administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Report to your physician regarding any new development or exacerbation of signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and acute shortness of breath, to facilitate a change in your plan of care.
