Levodopa and Benserazide are combined together in this pill.
Levodopa + Benserazide is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking.
This medicine does not cure Parkinson's disease but it can improve the quality of life for people who have the disease.
Take Levodopa + Benserazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is best taken on an empty stomach, at least half hour before or 1 hour after meals, whenever possible.
Stomach discomfort such as nausea may occur in the early stages of treatment. If you experience stomach discomfort, take this medicine with food or a non-alcoholic drink. Try to take this medicine at the same time each day.
If you are taking the hard capsule or modified-release capsule labelled “CR” or “HBS”, swallow it whole. Do not chew, crush or open up the capsule.
If you are taking the dispersible tablet, you can either swallow it whole or disperse the tablet in a quarter to half cup (25 ml to 50 ml) of water. Drink the mixture within half an hour of dispersion and stir well immediately before drinking.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) and history of skin cancer or any skin disease as Levodopa + Benserazide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Levodopa + Benserazide if you are:
- taking or have ever taken a medicine to treat depression called a mononamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, especially in the last 14 days
- pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Use adequate contraception while being treated with this medicine
- breastfeeding
- younger than 25 years old
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lung disease
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- epilepsy (seizures or fits)
- diabetes
- osteomalacia (softening of bones)
- history of stomach ulcers
- history of mental illness
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
If you are diabetic, this medicine may interfere with results of urine tests for sugar and ketones. Discuss with your doctor how you should monitor your urine tests while taking this medicine.
You may need to have regular blood tests while being treated with this medicine. These blood tests help your doctor to monitor your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need these tests to be done.
Levodopa + Benserazide may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Levodopa + Benserazide may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are common especially when you have just started taking this medicine.
Let your doctor know if you experience:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- uncontrollable movements such as twitching and jerking
This medicine may cause your urine, saliva and sweat to change to a darker colour. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Levodopa + Benserazide if you are taking or have ever taken a medicine to treat depression called a MAOI, such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. chlorpromazine, haloperidol
- medicines for heart or blood pressure e.g. epinephrine, methyldopa
- medicines to neutralise stomach acid or for nausea and vomiting e.g. antacids or metoclopramide
- medicine for epilepsy e.g. phenytoin
- supplements which contain iron
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Levodopa + Benserazide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid taking Levodopa + Benserazide together with protein-rich foods.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
