Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Carbidopa-Levodopa as follows:
- Carbidopa-Levodopa takes a few weeks to fairly balance the chemicals in the brain, before any relief from symptoms of Parkinson’s is noted. Do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the improvement with Parkinson’s symptoms, immediately after taking the medication.
- Continue taking Carbidopa-Levodopa, even if your symptoms of Parkinson’s are well-controlled. Discontinuing the medication abruptly, without consulting your physician, can result in reverting of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Discontinuation on Carbidopa-Levodopa intake will be only upon your physician’s recommendation.
- Carbidopa-Levodopa use can also result in stomach upset, increased acid secretion, and mild burning sensation of the stomach. Symptoms of GI upset can be self-limiting and resolve in due course of time, with occasional subjects presenting with increased risk for development of peptic ulcers. Individuals with peptic ulcer development can present with episodes of GI bleed, which can appear as black tarry stools or vomit that looks coffee grounds. Observing compliance with any OTC or prescribed antacids and GERD prevention measures can help with controlling the unpleasant GERD symptoms and prevention of ulcer development. If you experience any further bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms, report it to your physician or home health personnel for further recommendations.
