Levodopa + Benserazide
Written By Dr. Swati Mishra
Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev SharmaLast updated 18 Feb 2020 | 11:54 AM (UTC)
Levodopa + Benserazide Uses
Levodopa+Benserazide is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
How Levodopa + Benserazide works
Levodopa + Benserazide is a combination of two medicines: Levodopa and Benserazide which treats Parkinsonism. Levodopa is a dopamine precursor which gets converted to dopamine, a chemical messenger that controls movement in the brain. Benserazide is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor which prevents breakdown of levodopa allowing it to enter the brain and increase dopamine levels.
Common side effects of Levodopa + Benserazide
Dryness in mouth, Anxiety, Dizziness, Headache, Abnormal dreams, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Involuntary muscle movement, Gastrointestinal disturbance
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Expert advice for Levodopa + Benserazide
- You have been prescribed Levodopa + Benserazide to treat your symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
- It can be taken with or without food or as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce/avoid a high-protein diet (e.g. meat, poultry, and dairy products) while you are taking the medicine as it can reduce the amount of medication absorbed by your body.
- Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Levodopa + Benserazide can make you very sleepy.
- When you start the medication, get out of bed slowly, as the medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
- Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor. It may result in a serious syndrome that causes fever, stiff muscles, unusual body movements, sweating, and confusion.
- Talk to your doctor in case you develop hallucinations or other changes in your behavior.
Frequently asked questions for Levodopa + Benserazide
Levodopa+Benserazide (mainly levodopa) 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.
The effects of Levodopa+Benserazide on human bone during prolonged administration 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.