Lodosyn (Carbidopa)

Do’s

• Take Lodosyn exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, with or without food.
• Take it with some or all of your levodopa/carbidopa doses.
• Maintain a consistent dosing schedule, taking it at the same time(s) each day.
• Avoid high-protein diets while on Lodosyn, unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• Separate Lodosyn by as many hours as possible from iron supplements or multivitamins.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience "wearing-off" or "on-off" effects.
• Continue taking both Lodosyn and your levodopa medication, even if you feel better. Don't stop without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your Parkinson's symptoms worsen.

Don'ts

• Don't take Lodosyn without a levodopa-containing medication.
• Don't take more or less Lodosyn than prescribed.
• Don't change your dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't combine Lodosyn with iron supplements or multivitamins close together.
• Don't stop taking Lodosyn or your levodopa medication abruptly.

Common side effects of Lodosyn may include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Insomnia or nightmares
• Nausea and vomiting (decreased when taken with levodopa)
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Darkening of urine or sweat

Serious side effects associated with Lodosyn include:

• Uncontrolled muscle movements in the face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking, or eye movement)
• Very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out (severe nervous system reaction)
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face or mouth, and hives on the skin
• Falling asleep suddenly during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving (some people taking Lodosyn with levodopa have experienced this)
• Abruptly stopping or reducing the dose of Lodosyn and levodopa/carbidopa may rarely cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms of NMS include fever, unusual muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, and rapid breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Lodosyn,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any allergies, especially to levodopa (converted from foscarbidopa in the body) or any inactive ingredients.

Disclose Medical Conditions to your healthcare provider  including:

• Liver disease
• Glaucoma
• Breathing problems (asthma)
• Heart disease (heart attack, irregular heartbeat)
• Kidney disease
• Stomach/intestinal ulcer
• Mental/mood disorders (depression, schizophrenia)
• Blood disorders
• Seizures
• Sleep disorder

Lodosyn may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you feel safe. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness or drowsiness

Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you take (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal) before surgery.

Lodosyn should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as it's unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.