Side Effects of Parkinson Disease Medication

The National Parkinson Foundation describes Parkinson's disease as a neurological disorder caused by damage to the dopamine-producing cells that enable coordinated muscle movement. The most common treatment is a combination of carbidopa and levadopa, sold under the brand name Sinemet, which converts to dopamine in the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Common Side Effects

• Common side effects of this drug combination include dry mouth, nausea, appetite loss, diarrhea or constipation, sleep disorders, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, a tingling feeling, muscle aches and itchiness.

Serious Side Effects

• Possible rare serious side effects include a worsening of tremors, painful urination, seizures, hallucinations, confusion, depression and suicidal thoughts, unusual behavior, extremely high or low blood pressure and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Drug Interactions

• Tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of hypertension when taken with Sinemet. Supplements containing iron salts can reduce the effectiveness of the medication and antacids may increase the effect and risk of adverse reactions.

Warning

• Sinemet may cause patients to fall asleep suddenly. Until you know how the medication will affect you, avoid driving or engaging in other activities that require you to be alert.

Considerations

• The benefits of this medication can become unstable as Parkinson's disease progresses. When this happens, the dose may need to be adjusted or the patient switched to a different medication.