Lodosyn Description

Lodosyn is one of the drugs that may be prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease, but not as a ‘stand-alone’ medication. By itself, Lodosyn has no activity to reduce your symptoms. The active ingredient of Lodosyn called Carbidopa is one of two drugs that can work to provide steadier, more fluent movement and reduce the tremors that usually occur with Parkinson’s disease.

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are believed to have low levels of dopamine in their brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is critical to certain functions of your central nervous system, such as movement, mood, pleasure, and motivation. Since it has been discovered how improving dopamine levels are vital to those with PD, many of those affected are able to manage their own daily tasks with Lodosyn as part of their treatment.

Improve Dopamine Levels and Decrease Symptoms of PD

The most common drug prescribed for Parkinson’s disease is Levodopa. Levodopa is converted into dopamine outside your brain but causes hypotension (low blood pressure), nausea, and vomiting in some patients. It was discovered that adding Carbidopa to PD treatment allows Levodopa to reach your brain in order to increase the dopamine supply and eliminate the nausea and vomiting caused by this neurotransmitter occurring outside your brain. Lodosyn acts as a booster drug that enhances the effects of Levodopa so you can be more active and mobile. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but a treatment plan that includes Lodosyn will reduce your symptoms so you can lead a more normal lifestyle.

Conditions Treated by Lodosyn

Lodosyn may also be recommended as part of your treatment for Parkinsonism that displays many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease; including tremors, slow movements, and impaired speech but does not necessarily mean you have Parkinson’s disease. Causes of Parkinsonism include repeated head trauma (usually sports related), hypoparathyroidism, exposure to toxins, or certain medications.

Try to stay as active as you can, exercise, and make your environment safer with precautions such as the use of grab bars in your bath or shower. Keep everyday items within reach and discard small rugs that can become an obstacle, and do anything else you can do to help cope with Parkinsonism. It may take several weeks before you notice any improvements in your symptoms, so be patient.

Before You Take Lodosyn

If you are still child-bearing age, ask your doctor about the risks of taking Lodosyn while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. To be certain Lodosyn is safe for you, tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Lodosyn Precautions

Consuming a lot of meat, eggs, and cheese in your diet can make digesting Lodosyn more difficult so try to cut back on proteins. Until you know how your body will react to Lodosyn, avoid attempting any task that requires your full attention. Do not miss any doctor or lab appointments as you may require frequent blood and organ function tests.

Possible Side Effects of Lodosyn

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Weight changes

Drugs Similar to Lodosyn

• Sinemet
• Prolopa
• Stalevo