Benserazide
Information about Benserazide
Benserazide uses
Benserazide is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
How benserazide works
Benserazide is always given with levodopa. It works by preventing levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain. This allows for a lower dose of levodopa, which causes less nausea and vomiting.
Common side effects of benserazide
Nausea, Postural hypotension (low blood pressure), Psychiatric disturbances, Arrhythmia, Abnormal involuntary movements, Altered libido, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Drowsiness, Hallucination, Decreased blood pressure, Decreased white blood cell count, Increased liver enzymes, Low blood platelets, Vomiting
Content Details
Last updated on:
27 Dec 2019 | 01:08 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Benserazide
- Take it with food or after food to avoid the stomach upset.
- It may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Inform your doctor about taking Benserazide, If you are going to have surgery under anesthesia.
- Inform your doctor if you notice an urge to gamble, increased sexual urges, binge eating, or uncontrolled spending.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions for Benserazide
Benserazide
Q. Does Benserazide cause dependence?
No, Benserazide is not known to cause dependence. However, Benserazide may cause behavioural abnormalities which may result in excessive use of Benserazide. In order to treat disability, the patient may take the medicine in excessive quantities more than what the doctor had recommended.
Q. How long does Benserazide take to work?
You may start seeing the improvements in one to three weeks. Full benefits may take several weeks to appear and generally varies from person to person. Treatment should be continued, even if no improvement is observed, for at least six months before deciding to discontinue it.
Q. Can I take Benserazide with food?
Benserazide should be taken with or immediately after food. Either swallow the whole tablet/capsule with a little water or dissolve the tablet in a little water or orange squash (not fresh orange juice). Use at least 25 ml liquid for each tablet. The capsules should be taken whole and not crushed.
Q. Can Benserazide make me sleepy?
Benserazide is usually administered along with levodopa which can make you feel very sleepy. This can happen just after taking the medicine, even during the day. If you experience lack of focus because of sleepiness you must not drive or use machinery. Consult your doctor to know what particular activities you can be involved in, while taking this medicine.
Q. Can a woman of child bearing potential take Benserazide?
Yes, Benserazide can be used by any woman who has child bearing potential, provided that she uses an effective method of contraception. But if she gets pregnant while on therapy with Benserazide, then the medicine should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted.
Q. Does Benserazide affect bones?
The effects on human bone during prolonged administration of benserazide when given in combination with levodopa, is not known. It is not to be given in patients less than 25 years of age since the skeletal development is incomplete. Also, it should be used with caution in patients with osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
Q. Can Benserazide cause hallucinations?
Yes, Benserazide can cause hallucinations (seeing and possibly hearing things that are not really there), but this is not observed in everyone. Using Benserazide may also cause other mental problems wherein you may feel excited, anxious, agitated, depressed, disoriented, and aggressive. This medicine may also make you believe things which are not true or you may lose contact with reality.
Q. Can I take Benserazide if I have diabetes?
Yes, you can take Benserazide if you have diabetes but keep a regular check on blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you notice any fluctuation in your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may adjust the dose of your antidiabetic medicines accordingly.
Q. Can Benserazide cause decrease in blood pressure?
Yes, Benserazide may affect the blood pressure if it is given along with medicines that lower blood pressure (antihypertensives). Therefore, blood pressure needs to be monitored and dose of Benserazide or antihypertensives may need to be adjusted.