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Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide
What is Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide used for?
Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide are used to treat Parkinson's disease. Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide helps to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain that produces symptoms. Levodopa can be used alone, but adding benserazide lowers the amount of levodopa that is required, and may reduce some of the side effects such as nausea and vomiting that are associated with levodopa. Although Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, it does not slow down the progression of the disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Is there any reason not to take Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide?
Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide should not be used by anyone who:
is allergic to Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide, or any of the ingredients of the medication
cannot take sympathomimetic amines (e.g., epinephrine)
has taken MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within two weeks of taking levodopa - benserazide
has active heart disease, blood-related conditions, endocrine disease, liver disease, lung disease, or kidney disease
has a psychiatric disorder
has narrow-angle glaucoma
is pregnant or may become pregnant
is younger than 25 years of age
What about possible side effects of Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide with your doctor.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide.
People with chronic wide-angle glaucoma should be monitored regularly by their doctor as Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide may increase pressure inside the eye.
Medical conditions: People with epilepsy, peptic ulcer, heart disease, liver disease, blood disorders, or kidney disease should be frequently monitored by their doctor while taking this medication. People with diabetes should test their blood sugar frequently while taking Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide.
Do not stop taking Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide suddenly as severe withdrawal effects may occur.
People with severe parkinsonism who improve on Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide therapy should resume normal activities gradually and with caution to reduce the risk of injury. Physiotherapy and appropriate safeguards may be useful during this stage.
Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or wish to become pregnant while taking Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide, talk to your doctor.
Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide should not be taken by nursing mothers.
Special Instructions while using Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide:
Treatment with Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide should be started slowly and increased gradually to reduce the risk of side effects while gaining maximum benefit from the medication.
When first starting Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide, it may be taken with meals or a snack to reduce stomach upset. Later, when your body has become accustomed to the medication, it should be taken on an empty stomach for best absorption into your body.
It is important that Prolopa / Levodopa & benserazide be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you forget to take more than one dose, check with your doctor.
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