Benserazide

• Inform your doctor if you are going to have an operation. You may be asked to stop this medication before administering general anesthetic.

• Tell your doctor if you have been advised to undergo any laboratory test as this medicine may affect the results of some tests.

• Use effective methods of contraception while taking this medication to avoid pregnancy.

• Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without your doctor’s advice. Sudden withdrawal of this medicine may lead to a serious life-threatening condition called as ‘neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome ’, symptoms include increased shaking, sudden high body temperature and muscle problems including stiffness and trouble with balancing.

• Do not drive or operate machinery as benserazide may cause dizziness, sudden onset of sleep/excessive sleepiness and visual disturbances.

• Should not be given to patients who are allergic to benserazide or any of its ingredients.

• Should not be given to patients under 25 years of age.

• Should not be given to patients with liver, kidney or heart disease (e.g. uneven heartbeat or heart attack).

• Should not be given to patients with hormonal disorders (e.g. overactive thyroid gland).

• Should not be given to patients with psychiatric problems which may include anxiety, inability to think and judge correctly, hallucinations etc. or are being treated with anti-depressants (non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

• Should not be given to patients who have a history of or may be suffering from skin cancer.

• Should not be given to patients having problems of   pressure in eyes (narrow angle glaucoma).

• Should not be given to pregnant women.