Description

What Is Co-beneldopa?

Co-beneldopa is levodopa combined with benserazide. Levodopa passes into the brain, where it is turned into dopamine, a major chemical involved in controlling movement. Meanwhile, benserazide decreases levodopa conversion outside the brain, enabling more of it to reach the brain.

As a result, this combination may enhance movement and alleviate some motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

What Is Co-beneldopa Used For?

Doctors prescribe Co-beneldopa mainly to help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. These symptoms can include:

• Shaking or tremor
• Muscle rigidity
• Low movements
• Hard to get around

However, Co-beneldopa is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Instead it helps manage symptoms as treatment continues.

How Does Co-beneldopa Work?

In Parkinson’s disease there is less active in parts of the brain that control movement. Levodopa is the precursor that the brain uses to make dopamine. This allows nerve cells to more easily relay the signals for movement.

Benserazide also assists the levodopa to reach the brain more easily. This can lead to the combination providing better control of movement symptoms of Parkinson’s.

How to use Co-beneldopa?

Your doctor or Parkinson’s specialist will decide the right dose. Usually, you start with a low dose, and your healthcare provider will slowly increase it based on how you respond.

Take the medicine at the same time of the day. Also, follow the directions that come with your prescription, as directions can vary between different formulations.

Eating a lot of protein may affect how much levodopa your body absorbs. If you find your medicine is not working consistently, discuss timing of meals with your doctor or chemist.

Potential Side Effects

Co-beneldopa, like all medicines, may cause side effects. Some may have:

• Feeling sick or nauseous
• Lightheadedness
• Sleep issues
• Drowsiness
• Jerky or uncontrolled movement

Also, the medicine may become more or less effective at controlling symptoms over time for some people. Your health care professional can change your treatment when needed.

Important Safety Information

Do not stop taking Co-beneldopa suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking it you can get serious symptoms such as severe stiffness, high temperature and confusion. Doctors usually reduce the dose gradually when treatment needs to be stopped.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take and any serious medical conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have ever had: • Glaucoma • Heart problems • Previous mental health problems • Diabetes • Liver or kidney problems • Pregnancy or breast feeding

FAQs

What is Co-beneldopa?

Co-beneldopa is a prescription drug for Parkinson’s disease that contains levodopa and benserazide.

What Co-beneldopa is used for

It helps control movement symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and slow movement related to Parkinson’s disease.

Can I stop taking Co-beneldopa abruptly ?

No. You should talk to your doctor or specialist before you stop your treatment because stopping suddenly can cause serious problems.

Overall

Co-beneldopa is an important treatment option for the management of movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It contains levodopa and benserazide and works by increasing dopamine activity in the brain and can improve movement. But always consult a medical professional for treatment.