Sinemet (Carbidopa-Levodopa): Does it help for burning legs at night?

@robtlhughes, I changed the title of your discussion to hopefully bring in other members who have used it to treat burning leg symptoms at night. Has your doctor recommended the Carbidopa-Levodopa for your burning legs at night?

I've been taking 100 mg at bedtime for a couple days. I'll take it for a week to see if it helps. The doctor, I think, suspects restless leg syndrome might be a work. I'm skeptical, but think it's worth a try, but for no more than a week. The medication is usually prescribed for Parkinson's Disease and restless leg. I've not heard of its use with peripheral neuropathy which is why I posted my question.

Hello @robtlhughes

I've used carbidopa/levodopa for many years for a Parkinson's disorder. I've not heard of it used for problems with burning legs caused by neuropathy. If you are comfortable sharing more could you share what tests you have had to diagnose the problem with burning legs at night? I'm thinking of vascular testing of the legs, etc. Is your prescribing doctor a neurologist? Have you tried other meds for this problem or is this the first med you have used?

Carbidopa/levodopa, used by PD patients has the unfortunate side effect of dyskinesia when used over a long period of time. As you may know, dyskinesia is a movement disorder that makes it hard to be still, there is a jerkiness all over your body. Here is an article from WebMD about dyskinesia that you might find interesting.

Thanks for your interest and for getting back with useful information. The medication was not prescribed by a neurologist. I've been seen by neurologist at two well-regarded teaching hospitals. The doctor at one said the chance of anything helping was "vanishingly small." The other wants me to hurry back to Pittsburgh for more tests, probably to see how fast I'm going down. But a family doctor thought the med might be worth a limited try. After three nights of trying, reading the package insert, consulting with Dr. Google and now reading your post, the test has now concluded. Thanks again.

@robtlhughes
I hope you find an answer to this troubling problem. Will you post again with an update as you are able?

I am taking carbidopa-levodopa for Parkinson. Six months ago my neurologist increased the dose to 6 tabs daily. I have severe walking problems and balance control since increasing. Can this be caused by the increase?
shaari

I take a lot of Carbdidopa/Levodopa ea day. I take the exteded release 6x/day and the regular caarbidopa/Levodopa 4-6x/day, plus other Parkinson's meds. High doses will make me sway more (increased dyskinesia) which does effect my balance. I don't think the meds have had much other effect on my balance.
No pain issues. Good luck.

I get occasional cramping in my calves or hands in the middle of the night. They might last 10-15 minutes and then dissipate. The cramping is painful. I have been on Carbidopa25/Levodopa100 MG 3 tabs a day for approx. 6 weeks. A more prevailing side effect for me is the sleepiness caused by the med, but when it occurs the cramping is very painful.

Hello @hillrunner

Welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect.

I've been taking PD meds for about 15 years. I take less Carbidopa/Levodopa than you do (once a day I supplement with a Stalevo tablet), but I also have severe leg cramping. I'm really not sure if the leg cramping is caused by the medication or some other health condition or even by Parkinson's itself. It can be hard to sort out the symptoms.

If the cramping continues, it might be a good idea to run it by your PCP to see if there are any other reasons for the extreme cramping. I'm in the process of doing this myself.

As you are new to Connect, please share, as you are comfortable doing so, a bit about your diagnosis with PD. For example, how long ago were you diagnosed, what symptoms led to your diagnosis? As so many of us, struggled for years before our diagnosis, I'm wondering if it was the same for you.

I have always had occasional leg cramps, but since I was diagnosed in 2019, and started taking Sinemet, they occur with more frequency, about two times a week. I have found that by drinking a glass of water, the cramps go away. That tells me I have been dehydrated, Which may be a result of taking Sinemet. Anyhow, it is not a major concern of mine.

On the other hand, I do more frequently get a “pins and needles“ feeling in one leg, usually the left, and occasionally the right. Keeps me from getting a good night’s sleep, I never really experienced that before going on Sinemet, so I think there must be some connection between the medicine and the “pins and needles.” my neurologist told me to see an orthopedist because she felt the problem was probably caused by a pinched nerve, like my sciatic nerve.

I do not think a pinched nerve is causing my problem. I think it is more likely caused by Sinemet or the entacapone I take twice a day. I take 1.5 Sinemet tablets four times a day, or total of six tablets daily.

I am curious to see if anyone else experiences “pins and needles“ in their legs and if they have any ideas what causes it.