What is Lodosyn?
Lodosyn can be used in conjunction with another drug called levodopa for the treatment of symptoms such as stiffness and tremors that are associated with Parkinson’s disease.Lodosyn, or levodopa, is also used to treat Parkinson's-like symptoms that are caused by certain medications or exposure to toxic gases or minerals, such as manganese or carbon monoxide.Lodosyn has no effect if used alone. It is only effective when combined with levodopa.Lodosyn can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Lodosyn
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Lodosyn and levodopa can cause the following side effects:
Lodosyn may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe sleepiness
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
- Tremors that are worsening (uncontrolled shaking)
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea;
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual changes in mood and behaviour
- Depression, or thoughts of suicide;
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high temperature, and sweating. Confusion, rapid, or uneven heartbeats
Lodosyn and levodopa can cause some people to fall asleep while doing normal activities during the day, such as driving, working, talking, or eating. You should tell your doctor if daytime sleepiness is a problem.Lodosyn may cause you to have intense sexual urges or unusual gambling urges. If this happens, talk to your doctor.Your urine, saliva, or sweat may appear dark, like red, brown, or black. It is not harmful, but your clothing or bedsheets may be stained.
Lodosyn side effects may include:
- Nausea, upset stomach;
- Headache, dizziness;
- Sleep problems (insomnia), having more dreams than usual
- Dry mouth, a burning sensation in the tongue
- Weight changes
- Abnormal liver function test
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Warnings
Use this medicine only if you are not taking any mao inhibitors, including isocarboxazid or linezolid.
Before you take this drug
Lodosyn should not be used if:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
Lodosyn should not be used if mao inhibitors have been taken in the last 14 days. Drug interactions may occur. Mao inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Levodopa and nausea
- High blood pressure, heart disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- A stomach or intestinal ulcer
- Glaucoma;
- Depression, mental illness, or psychosis.
The risk of cancerous skin is higher in people with Parkinson's (melanoma). Consult your doctor for information on skin symptoms.Lodosyn may harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.Lodosyn should not be used while breastfeeding.No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use this product.
How to take Lodosyn?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Start taking Lodosyn and levodopa together for at least 12 hours following the last time you took levodopa alone.Lodosyn is taken with levodopa at regular intervals to maintain a constant amount in the body.You may require frequent medical tests.It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve. If your symptoms don't improve, or if you notice that the medicine is wearing off rapidly between doses, call your doctor.If you suddenly stop taking Lodosyn, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Before stopping your medicine, consult with your doctor.Lodosyn can interfere with certain medical tests. Lodosyn can affect the results of certain medical tests.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how Lodosyn affects you. You may have impaired reactions. You may feel dizzy if you get up quickly from a seated or lying position.Avoid iron supplements and a high-protein diet. This can make it more difficult for your body's digestive system to absorb and digest lodosyn or levodopa. Speak to your doctor or dietitian for advice on what foods you should eat and avoid.
Interaction with other drug
Lodosyn can make you more drowsy if taken with other drugs. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, medicine for anxiety, or seizures, consult your doctor.Lodosyn may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.