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Sinemet – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 by

Sinemet is the brand name of the medicine that is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, shaking, stiffness, or movement problems. It can also be used to treat Parkinson’s-like symptoms after an inflammation of the brain, or encephalitis, or an injury to the nervous system that is caused by carbon monoxide or heavy metal poisoning.

This prescription drug contains levodopa and carbidopa. Levodopa belongs to a class of drugs known as central nervous system agents. It changes into dopamine in the brain in order to help control movement. On the other hand, carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, so that more levodopa can enter the brain.

Sinemet is not appropriate for some people. Tell the doctor if you have or have had :

  • A heart attack
  • An irregular heartbeat
  • An undiagnosed skin growth
  • Asthma, emphysema, or other lung diseases
  • Blood vessel disease
  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • Hormone problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Melanoma
  • Mental illness
  • Sleep disorders
  • Ulcers

This drug should also not be taken by the following:

  • People who have an allergy to levodopa, carbidopa, or any other part of Sinemet
  • People taking reserpine or tetrabenazine
  • Women who are trying to get pregnant, might be pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding

Known side effects of Sinemet

The common side effects of Sinemet include:

  • Abnormal dreams or nightmares
  • Change in taste
  • Confusion or forgetfulness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • Increased sweating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
  • Weakness

The serious side effects of Sinemet include:

  • Black and tarry stools
  • Bloody stools
  • Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
  • Hallucinations
  • Hives
  • Hoarseness
  • Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • Unusual or uncontrollable movements of the tongue, mouth, face, head, neck, arms, and legs

Body systems that may be harmed by Sinemet

The body systems that may be harmed by Sinemet include the nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, integumentary, respiratory, genitourinary, hematologic, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Sinemet’s side effects

The following foods help prevent difficulty sleeping, a common side effect of Sinemet:

  • Almonds
  • Chamomile tea
  • Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel
  • Kiwi
  • Passionflower tea
  • Tart cherry juice
  • Turkey
  • Walnuts
  • White rice

Treatments, management plans for the Simenet’s side effects

The following are natural remedies for diarrhea, a common side effect of Sinemet:

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, milk, soda, and other carbonated or caffeinated drinks
  • Eat probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt
  • Follow the BRAT diet: banana, rice, applesauce, toast

Where to learn more

Summary

Sinemet, a combination of levodopa and carbidopa, is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Sinemet commonly causes nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, dyskinesia, anxiety, constipation, and vomiting.

Sources include:

EverydayHealth.com

MedicineNet.com

Drugs.com 1

Drugs.com 2

Healthline.com 1

Healthline.com 2



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