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Started Carbidopa/Levodopa Today

Posted by radioactivems @radioactivems, Apr 16 4:30pm

I'm excited. I'm praying for relief i don't have to work until the weekend, so I'm not going to be doing anything for a couple of days

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jaybee51 | @jaybee51 | Dec 25, 2024
In reply to @jaybee51 "Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was prescribed Carbodopa/Levidopa. The day after taking it,..." + (show)
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Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was prescribed Carbodopa/Levidopa. The day after taking it, I began experiencing a skin rash and hives. After several days, it had not subsided so I was referred to a pharmacist who specializes in drug reactions and interactions. After reviewing my symptoms and all my medications, he said he thought the rash and hives were unrelated to my medications (even though rash and hives are listed as possible side effects of Carbodopa/Levadopa) and that it was just urticaria so he prescribed an antihistamine (Xyzal).I have been taking it for 3 days and it has not helped at all. Hives are spreading and itch so badly I can hardly sleep and is quite irritating all day.Has anyone else experienced this and if so, how did you find relief? Thanks for your thoughts. Jim

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Thanks for the advice to consider food. I cannot think of any food that I ate that I have not eaten before so have ruled out food. I have read that some people react to the yellow dye in Carbodopa/Levidopa. My hives have now receded but still have a minor itch. Hopefully, it will be gone soon. Thanks for your help.

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 26, 2024
In reply to @jaybee51 "Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was prescribed Carbodopa/Levidopa. The day after taking it,..." + (show)
Profile picture for jaybee51 @jaybee51

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was prescribed Carbodopa/Levidopa. The day after taking it, I began experiencing a skin rash and hives. After several days, it had not subsided so I was referred to a pharmacist who specializes in drug reactions and interactions. After reviewing my symptoms and all my medications, he said he thought the rash and hives were unrelated to my medications (even though rash and hives are listed as possible side effects of Carbodopa/Levadopa) and that it was just urticaria so he prescribed an antihistamine (Xyzal).I have been taking it for 3 days and it has not helped at all. Hives are spreading and itch so badly I can hardly sleep and is quite irritating all day.Has anyone else experienced this and if so, how did you find relief? Thanks for your thoughts. Jim

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Hello @jaybee51,

If these symptoms don't resolve soon, it might be wise to ask for a referral to a dermatologist or an allergy specialist. I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post again as you work to resolve problem?

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jaybee51 | @jaybee51 | Dec 26, 2024
In reply to @jaybee51 "Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was prescribed Carbodopa/Levidopa. The day after taking it,..." + (show)
Profile picture for jaybee51 @jaybee51

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was prescribed Carbodopa/Levidopa. The day after taking it, I began experiencing a skin rash and hives. After several days, it had not subsided so I was referred to a pharmacist who specializes in drug reactions and interactions. After reviewing my symptoms and all my medications, he said he thought the rash and hives were unrelated to my medications (even though rash and hives are listed as possible side effects of Carbodopa/Levadopa) and that it was just urticaria so he prescribed an antihistamine (Xyzal).I have been taking it for 3 days and it has not helped at all. Hives are spreading and itch so badly I can hardly sleep and is quite irritating all day.Has anyone else experienced this and if so, how did you find relief? Thanks for your thoughts. Jim

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Thanks Teresa. I am now free of hives and only have a little itching left. Either the meds are working or my body got used to what it had been attacking. What a relief!

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jrwilli1 | @jrwilli1 | Apr 17 12:50pm

My husband has been in it for at least 8 yrs and they have increased the dose through the years but very helpful. Now my brother just started it as well this month and already he has seen a decrease in some of the symptoms. Good luck

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Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Apr 17 1:39pm

Glad that you connected with @jrwilli1 about starting your carbidopa-levodopa today, @radioactivems.

Here is some Mayo Clinic information on this medication, if you're interested:

-Carbidopa and levodopa (oral route)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbidopa-and-levodopa-oral-route/description/drg-20095211
I also wanted to tag other members who have mentioned this medication or Parkinson's treatment more broadly to offer their tips and experiences @cartercd @jaybee51 @anro @jflamini @lkirley18. I'd also like you to meet @pbarr @dstrelinski @hopeful33250, who may have some thoughts or tips you for as you begin your journey with this medication.

What relief are you most hopeful for, radioactivems?

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radioactivems | @radioactivems | Apr 17 2:51pm
In reply to @lisalucier "Glad that you connected with @jrwilli1 about starting your carbidopa-levodopa today, @radioactivems. Here is some Mayo..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

Glad that you connected with @jrwilli1 about starting your carbidopa-levodopa today, @radioactivems.

Here is some Mayo Clinic information on this medication, if you're interested:

-Carbidopa and levodopa (oral route)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbidopa-and-levodopa-oral-route/description/drg-20095211
I also wanted to tag other members who have mentioned this medication or Parkinson's treatment more broadly to offer their tips and experiences @cartercd @jaybee51 @anro @jflamini @lkirley18. I'd also like you to meet @pbarr @dstrelinski @hopeful33250, who may have some thoughts or tips you for as you begin your journey with this medication.

What relief are you most hopeful for, radioactivems?

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My mom died from PD, so I want to get on top of it. I'm dealing with quite a bit of trembling in my hands, which I would say is the biggest issue. I haven't been officially diagnosed yet, but I'm traveling to MN next week to undergo a series of tests. I know there's no cure, but I want to attack this, so I can live the best life possible.

Thanks for your help!

Mike

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1 reply
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Apr 17 2:55pm
In reply to @radioactivems "My mom died from PD, so I want to get on top of it. I'm dealing..." + (show)
Profile picture for radioactivems @radioactivems

My mom died from PD, so I want to get on top of it. I'm dealing with quite a bit of trembling in my hands, which I would say is the biggest issue. I haven't been officially diagnosed yet, but I'm traveling to MN next week to undergo a series of tests. I know there's no cure, but I want to attack this, so I can live the best life possible.

Thanks for your help!

Mike

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Hi, @radioactivems - so, just so I'm clear, you were prescribed the carbidopa/levodopa to deal with the trembling in your hands, not for a formal diagnosis of Parkinson's at this time?

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radioactivems | @radioactivems | Apr 17 3:56pm

Correct, my doc is leaning heavily toward a PD diagnosis due to my symptoms, physical examination and family history. However, he isn't going to make a formal decision until we have the test results.

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1 reply
Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 18 7:39am
In reply to @radioactivems "Correct, my doc is leaning heavily toward a PD diagnosis due to my symptoms, physical examination..." + (show)
Profile picture for radioactivems @radioactivems

Correct, my doc is leaning heavily toward a PD diagnosis due to my symptoms, physical examination and family history. However, he isn't going to make a formal decision until we have the test results.

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Hello @radioactivems,

I am glad that @lisalucier tagged me about your post. I understand that you are beginning treatment for your PD-like symptoms with medication. In my case, the neurologist ruled out other disorders by ordering a brain MRI as well as EMG and other tests. After all of the results came back and no other reason was found, I also started carbidopa/levodopa. I noticed a tremendous improvement in my symptoms within 2 weeks.

Perhaps your doctor has already suggested beginning the medication with titration. This means starting the medication slowly or not taking the full dose right away. I started with a 1/2 pill once a day for one week, then added a 1/2 pill each week until I was taking 3 pills per day. This will help your body adjust to the medication without the side effects.

I would like to hear how you feel after you start with the medication. Will you continue to post updates?

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