Sinemet (generic: carbidopa/levodopa) is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are related to low levels of dopamine in a certain part of the brain. Sinemet is a single tablet containing two drugs, levodopa and carbidopa. Levodopa works, after it is converted to dopamine, by restoring dopamine levels in the brain. Carbidopa delays the conversion of levodopa into dopamine until it reaches the brain, and reduces the amount of levodopa needed.
Sinemet comes in as a regular tablet and an extended-release tablet (Sinemet CR). The regular tablet is usually taken 3 or 4 times daily. The extended-release tablet is usually taken 2 or 3 times daily, swallowed whole.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
Common side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- changes in taste
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- sudden onset of sleep
- mood changes
- dark red, brown, or black saliva, urine, or sweat
- difficulty sleeping
This is not a complete list of Sinemet side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Sinemet is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease and symptomatic parkinsonism which may follow injury to the nervous system by carbon monoxide intoxication and/or manganese intoxication.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.