Sinemet (Carbidopa-Levodopa) and nausea
Been on c/l for some weeks now...still at lower. dose with 1 25-100 tab am and 1/2 mid day and 1/2 dinner time. I have been carefully timing them 30 minutes prior to meals for full absorption as per the instructions. Now with the full tablet in morning nausea is an issue. Never experienced that ever in my life and hate the feeling. I am considering just taking it with meals and risk less absorption. Anyone done this with success? As for the hand tremor it is better not entirely gone but rarely think about it. Any advice welcome.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.
Connect

@radioactivems @lisalucier @kathy49
I have been taking carbidopa-levodopa since 2024 and I haven't noticed any side-effects. My neurologist recommend not to eat two hours before taking the medication and wait one hour after taking the medication. If I did need to eat he recommended crackers or something with very low protein. He also recommended staying away from nuts because of the high protein levels.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI struggled with nausea for a long time. Finally landed on a “plain” 25 mg Carbidopa And
A meal, especially in the morning. I take the Carbidopa with each does, 3 times a day.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI started Sinemet 7 months ago, 1/2 pill for a month, then to 1 pill twice daily. I had nausea sometimes, but not all the time. Did not want to take extra Carbidopa, so I tried taking Sinemet when finishing my meal, standing up, and moving around for a while. If I feel nauseated, then I eat a pickle or a pickled palm heart. Usually, my nausea goes away. I don't know if what I did worked or if my GI system is gradually getting used to Sinemet.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@hld1975
I've been on Sinemet now since I was 32 years old and now I'm 65 years old. I remember what it was like when I first started on Sinemet and I had the same problems your going through. All I can say eventually it does get better and more tolerable. It just takes time.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@trseaman0
How amazing! It's good to know that after 33 years, Sinemet still works!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@trseaman0
May I ask why you were prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (sinemet) at 32 years old? I'm 31 years old I have been on carbidopa-levodopa since 2024. I have learned since being on it that its not commonly prescribed to young people and very rare for off-label usage, like in my case. I have had a permanent right calf cramp since 2021, with atrophy starting 2023 and all medical tests are negative/normal and in 2024 a neurologist from the Mayo Clinic prescribed me carbidopa-levodopa and it has helped with the stiffness of the calf. I take 4 pills 3 times daily.