Rytary May be Prescribed for Early, Moderate, and Advanced Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease does not have a cure, but there are medications available that can help reduce some of the symptoms, including tremors, stiffness or rigidity, and slow movements. This can cause walking and carrying out other daily tasks difficult. Rytary contains two active drugs that are usually prescribed together as a way to help give you significantly less “off” time and more “on” time so your movements are controlled better.

How Carbidopa and Levodopa extended Release Work Together

It is believed that Parkinson’s disease is related somehow to decreased levels of a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called dopamine. When Rytary is taken as directed, Carbidopa works as a decarboxylase inhibitor in order to ensure Levodopa is not converted into dopamine before it can cross the blood-brain barrier where the dopamine is needed. Once at its destination, the extra dopamine is thought to help the brain control movement and motor functions and possibly improve patient’s mood.

More About Parkinson’s Disease

This disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes a progressive deterioration of nerve cells (neurons) in a particular area of the brain. The nerve cells normally produce the neurotransmitter called dopamine. As more and more cells deteriorate, the less dopamine will be available to carry signals between nerves in the brain. As PD progresses, movements become slower, tremors and shaking are more noticeable, and balance and coordination becomes increasingly impaired.

Before You Start Taking Rytary

Advise your doctor about other medical conditions and allergies you have and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, to be certain Rytary is safe for you to take. You may need regular doctor visits to see if Rytary is still working for you or if there is a dosage adjustment needed.

Proper Use of Rytary

Keep Rytary and all other medications out of children’s reach and never share these drugs with anyone else. Always check that your Rx is refilled in time so you do not have to miss any doses of Rytary. You should not attempt to drive a vehicle or attempt any activities that may cause you harm while taking Rytary. If you have trouble swallowing, open the Rytary Capsule and sprinkle on apple sauce and eat it right away to assure you received the complete dose.

Possible Side Effects of Rytary

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping

Other Medications Similar to Rytary

• Stalevo
• Prolopa
• Sinemet