What is Sinemet CR?
Sinemet is a combination medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as stiffness and tremors. Sinemet CR can also be used to treat Parkinson's symptoms that are caused by carbon dioxide poisoning or manganese intoxication. Sinemet CR can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Sinemet CR
If you exhibit any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical assistance immediately: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.
Sinemet CR may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
- Tremors that are worsening (uncontrolled shaking)
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea or nausea.
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual changes in mood and behaviour
- Depression, or thoughts of suicide;
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high temperature, and sweating. Confusion, rapid, or uneven heartbeats
Sinemet CR can cause some people to fall asleep while doing normal activities during the day, such as driving, working, talking, or eating. Inform your doctor of any daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.
While taking Sinemet CR, you may experience increased sexual desire, urges to gamble, or other intense desires. 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 bed sheets may be stained.
Sinemet CR side effects may include:
- The jerky or twisting of muscle movements
- Headache, dizziness;
- Low blood pressure (feeling a little light-headed);
- Sleep problems, strange dreams;
- Dry Mouth
- Muscle contractions
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Use this medicine only if you are not taking any MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid or linezolid.
Before you take this drug
Sinemet CR should not be used if:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Heart disease or high blood tension.
- Liver or kidney disease
- An endocrine (hormonal) disorder;
- Asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (CPD), or any other breathing disorder.
- A stomach or intestinal ulcer
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Depression, mental illness, or psychosis.
The disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Inform your doctor if phenylketonuria is present.
Parkinson's patients may be at increased risk. Speak to your doctor to learn more about the risk of skin cancer and how to recognise it. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Sinemet CR?
You must wait at least 12 hours after you have stopped taking levodopa before starting Sinemet CR. 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.
Take this medication regularly, with or without eating. Do not open, crush, chew or break the capsule. Breaking a tablet in half to achieve the correct dosage may be necessary for accurate dosing. Never chew or crush a tablet. Take the tablet and place it into your mouth. Do not chew.
Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms. Inform your doctor if you notice that the effects of this medication wear off rapidly between doses.
If you take this medication over a longer period, regular medical testing may be required. It can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that treats you about your use of Sinemet CR.
Sinemet CR should not be stopped abruptly, as you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should ask your doctor about how to safely discontinue this medication. Store away from moisture, heat, and light 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 Sinemet will affect you. You could 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 to digest and absorb the Sinemet CR. Consult with your physician or dietitian regarding what foods to include and exclude in your diet.
Interaction with other drug
Sinemet CR may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
