Sinemet (Carbidopa-Levodopa) and nausea

Hi, @kathy49 - so sorry to hear you've been experiencing nausea with the full carbidopa/levodopa (C/L) tablet. Feeling nauseated is awful and super distracting when you are trying to do anything else.

I'm tagging others who've talked about C/L who may have some input for you: @radioactivems @bromy @gregopp211 @hopeful33250 @anro.

Have you taken your tablet yet this morning? If so, how has it gone?

Hello @kathy49

I am also sorry to hear about the nausea. I see that you are taking the C/L (carbidopa/levadopa) on an empty stomach. I understand about the absorption problems, but I think that refers to eating high-protein foods with this medication. You can probably eat other foods without a problem. Have you considered toast or other carbohydrates with the meds? I was instructed to take it with food in order to avoid the nausea.

Here is a link from the Mayo Clinic website about the proper use of Sinemet https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbidopa-and-levodopa-oral-route/description/drg-20095211

If you scroll down, you will see that protein consumption is mentioned specifically. Here is a paragraph from that article that specifically mentions the role of a high-protein diet in relation to taking Sinemet.

Proper Use
"Since protein may interfere with the body's response to carbidopa and levodopa, high-protein diets should be avoided. Intake of normal amounts of protein should be spaced equally throughout the day, or taken as directed by your doctor."

Here is a link to another article about protein and Sinemet from Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/foods-avoided-taking-levodopa-3558161/

In light of this information, you may want to consider contacting your doctor's office to clarify which types of foods to avoid.

@lisalucier
I recently started Carbidopa-Levodopa but after two doses I became violently ill and quit taking it. Plan to see my neurologist next month

@lisalucier I've been very fortunate. I haven't really had any side effects from the C/L. I have joined a fitness center and am participating in my first Rock Steady Boxing class today. I'm going to get into the best physical shape I can. I told my wife this disease may eventually take me down. However, I'm going down fighting.

I have some fruit or applesauce with my pill.

I experienced nausea when starting c/l a year ago. My neurologist added 25 mg to the c/l dose. No more nausea. Just a thought when talking with your neurologist. Best wishes.

@davemc \Thanks but confused. Added more of what? It seems odd to add more..can you explain? Thanks.

Sorry. Added 25mg carbidopa.

@davemc
I ask my Dr. are you then taking. a pill with 50/100. Mine is 25/100. Thanks.

My wife started her Parkinson's disease treatment in Japan where doctors take into account your BMI for absorption purposes.. She was also prescribed a medication to help against becoming nauseated. Mucosta which helps provide a barrier in your stomach. Unfortunately when she returned to the United States her neurologist changed her Parkinson's disease medication to western standards (one size fits all) and never has had a period where her medication provided consisted on time relief. Most recently she was hospitalized for non-epileptic seizure episodes caused by her BP dropping due to the extra Caridopa and dopamine agonists that she had been prescribed in the United States. After stopping the extra Caridopa and dopamine agonist her symptoms improved and no longer experienced unconsciousness and dropping events.