Started Carbidopa/Levodopa Today

Were you having any side effects with the 1/2 dosage once per day. Has the medication helped manage your symptoms. My wife's biggest concern in trying the medication again is that the dizziness issues could get worse. Have you experienced any of that?

My wife started with 1/2 tablet three times a day at her doctors recommendation. When we contacted her doctor about side effects the doctor increased the carbidopa thinking it would help with side effects. She then starting taking 1/2 tablet 3 times a days of the Carbidopa/Levodopa and also 25mg of carbidopa three times a day. the side effects were even worse and doctor told her to discontinue all. Her symptoms started last June 15 when she noticed something in her walking. Sometime after that she begain noticing balance issues. She has always been very sensitive to medications so we informed doctor of that so she could start at lower dosage. We have been researching alternative treatments. Her chiropractor/neurologist has been treating her with acupuncture and she is also having physical therapy 3 times a week. We also heard of Gladiator Therapeutics which have products they sell which are showing some promising case studies for Parkinsons. Even with the dizziness issues, she still is staying physically active with workout classes etc.

The only side effect that I have had with Carbidopa/Levodopa (C/L) is if I take it on an empty stomach. Then I will feel nauseous and also dizzy. It is best to take it with carbohydrates rather than protein. My understanding is that protein interferes with the medication's effectiveness.

I have had nothing but good results with the medication. Here is a link from drugs.com listing many of the medications used to treat PD, https://www.drugs.com/condition/parkinson-s-disease.html. I have personally had good success with Stalevo, which is a combination of C/L plus entacapone. With this medication the amount of C/L is lower and the entacapone helps the medication to last longer.

Regarding the dizziness problem, Vestibular Therapy, is something that has been quite helpful to me. Here is a link from the Cleveland Clinic website with more information about this, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15298-vestibular-rehabilitation.

Finally, I would highly recommend that your wife be seen by a movement disorder specialist. This is a neurologist with special training and experience in movement disorders such as PD.

If you would like to learn more about PD, I suggest that you explore the Davis Phinney Foundation website. They have numerous videos and information about PD. Here is a link to the website, https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/.

I look forward to hearing from you again and hearing how your wife is doing. Will you continue to post with any questions or concerns?