I can’t offer any advice regarding the daytime dosage of co-careldopa as I’m on Madopar (co-beneldopa) but my Parkinson’s nurse also prescribed one half sinemet at night time. She explained that this is a CR (controlled release) tablet designed to last throughout the night and should help with mobility i.e. turning over and getting in and out of bed if necessary.
Good morning Stacy. I am 71 years old, diagnosed with Atypical Parkinson’s in June 2023 and am officially on Co-careldopa, 2 pills x 3 times a day.
I take these at 7.30am[or when I wake up], 1pm and 7pm.
In reality I only take this medication when I am playing Indoor bowls, which is most days. Also I now never take the evening [7pm] dose as I have proved in a trial with an excellent private neurologist that this causes my fairly extreme sleep issues, like restless leg, Insomnia and nightmares.
I also take 1 Rasagiline pill at 7.30am every day even when I do not play bowls. This combination works really well for me. Perhaps you might talk to your Parkinson’s team about adding Rasagiline to the Co-careldopa your Dad takes.
My Parkinson’s symptoms are loss of balance, if I do not take my co-careldopa I fall over when playing Indoor bowls. My record is falling over 8 times during one game. Now I am back on the medication I never fall over. I also have “gait freezing“ if I stand still for more than 2 minutes. I also have issues if I sit on a hard chair for too long.
You are quite correct that 2 co-careldopa pills x 5 times a day is a very high dose, but if it works great.
Steptoe is correct I think, saying that the evening half pill dose is a slow release versssion.
We all seem to have different Parkinson’s symptoms. I think there are over 40 different Parkinson’s symptoms.
Best wishes
Steve2
Rasagiline is a medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and it can be taken alongside Sinemet, which contains carbidopa and levodopa.
Mechanism of Action
Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor that helps increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Sinemet provides a combination of levodopa (which converts to dopamine) and carbidopa (which prevents levodopa from converting to dopamine before it reaches the brain).
Benefits of Combination
Using rasagiline with Sinemet may enhance overall symptom control in Parkinson’s disease.
This combination can potentially reduce the required dosage of Sinemet, minimizing side effects.
Considerations
Patients should consult their healthcare provider before combining these medications to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Monitoring for side effects is essential, as both medications can have interactions.
Side Effects
Common side effects of rasagiline include headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.
Sinemet may cause nausea, dyskinesia, and orthostatic hypotension.
Always discuss any medication changes or combinations with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Sinemet and co-careldopa refer to the same medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, but they are not identical in branding or formulation.
Key Components:
Sinemet: A brand name for a combination of carbidopa and levodopa.
Co-careldopa: A generic term that also refers to the combination of carbidopa and levodopa.
Differences:
Branding: Sinemet is a specific brand, while co-careldopa is the generic name.
Formulations: Sinemet may come in various formulations (e.g., immediate-release, controlled-release), while co-careldopa may vary in availability and specific formulations depending on the manufacturer.
Usage: Both are prescribed to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Availability: Sinemet may be more widely recognized, while co-careldopa may be available at lower costs as a generic option.
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any specific concerns regarding these medications.
Thanks for your question. We cannot offer medical advice in comments as medication needs are individual. For guidance please speak to your dad’s Parkinson’s nurse or specialist. You can also call our helpline on 0808 800 0303 or email [email protected] for information.
Is there any general guidance about what a large dose of madopar is at all? I hear from time to time that there is a ‘maximum’ dose but I find it difficult to find out definitively what it is. Thank you
The maximum dose of Madopar (a combination of levodopa and benserazide) for Parkinson’s disease varies based on individual patient needs and response to treatment.
General Dosage Guidelines:
Initial Dose: Typically starts at 125 mg to 250 mg daily.
Maximum Dose: Can go up to 1,000 mg of levodopa per day, depending on the patient’s condition and tolerance.
Administration:
Madopar is usually taken in divided doses throughout the day.
Dosage adjustments are made based on efficacy and side effects.
Considerations:
Individual responses to medication can vary significantly.
Regular consultations with a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring and adjusting the dose.
For specific recommendations, consult a healthcare professional, as they can provide personalized guidance based on medical history and current health status.
I am finding my early morning ritual of walking my dog about a mile in total becoming harder and harder. I have 2 stops using benches and on the final few hundred yards use my fold up walking stick. My consultant increased my dosage of co-benaldopa but it seems to make things worse.
I also take Simvastatin, Clopidogrel, Ramipril and Ropinirole.