I have been diagnosed with “Idiopathic Parkinson’s” and the Neurologist has put me on Co-careldopa. My GP has put me on 3 x 50mg daily and I have been on them for 4 days. I know I have to wait a bit longer for the Co-careldopa to work and I also know that I will need a higher dose. I get some imrovement re: tremors on this low dose. How long will it be before the dose is increased? Should I phone the GPs to remind them? Maybe I should wait for a while? G.
Good afternoon Fagus … I am 70 years old I was diagnosed with Atypical Parkinson’s in June 2023 following a positive datscan. I was tried with 2 different Parkinson’s drugs before starting on Co-Careldopa. I was put on 1 pill a day for 7 days, then
1 pill twice a day for 7 days, them 1 pill three times a day for 7 days &
then 2 pills 3 times a day which is where I am now.
Co-careldopa has helped my “gait freezing” episodes. So I am pleased with the drug.
I know it works whereas my two previous Parkinson’s drugs did not.
If my experience is anything to go by you should be increasing the daily dose GRADUALLY, maybe up to 6 pills a day like me.
My lower doses did not make any difference to me. It was only at the 6 pills a day dose that I noticed a definite improvement.
Any questions please ask.
Best wishes
Steve2
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Thanks Steve, I am 80. What is the strength ( mg ) of your Careldopa? Geoff
Hello Geoff … It is 12.5mg/50mg Co-careldopa which is the same as what you are taking.
Co-careldopa is a type of generic (unbranded) levodopa medication. Sinemet, Caramet, Lecado and Apodespan are the branded versions of co-careldopa . Co-careldopa contains two ingredients, levodopa and carbidopa. The carbidopa ingredient helps levodopa get in to the brain where it can become dopamine.
Best wishes
Steve2
OK, Understood, I am on a bit of a crash course at the moment ! I think I will see if I can have a chat with my GP, might as well see if I can increase my dose. G
The body does need to slowly get used to this drug … don’t be in a rush to up it … Increase every 7 days. As I mentioned in my first message.
Best of luck with your journey. I’m only 15 months into this wonderful journey.
Always make sure you book future appointments with your Parkinson’s nurse & neurologist.
Best wishes
Steve2
Hi Fagus, we always recommend speaking to your GP if you are unsure about anything, don’t be worried to call them and ask them for help and support.
If you would like some advice, then please do call our helpline as they may be able to give some support: 0808 800 0303.
Best wishes
Freya
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
I had a telephone chat with my surgery pharmacist, I was told to increase by one 50 mg tablet a day each week until I was happy with results. I have to report to the surgery and say what dose I am up to each prescription renewal. So like you say Steve 
Anyway I am feeling OK, still some tremors but much reduced at 4x50mg daily. My mental alertness is much beter and I am walking better when I excercise, I need to excercise more but my artheritic knees play up. I am considering an excercise bike, no weight on my knees. I was going to try B1 therapy but I will wait until I get my dosage of Co-Careldopa sorted. Geoff
Thanks Freya, I have been talking to the GPs pharmacist who seems to know how to titrate my medication. Strange they don’t seem to have a print out or booklet or something. Anyway I am plodding on. Geoff
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