Carbidopa / levodopa User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Amy...
• February 20, 2012

Carbidopa / levodopa for Restless Legs Syndrome "I have had restless legs syndrome for years due to iron deficiency. I took Sinemet for about a year, and it seemed to work great for me. However, I could not take the full or even half of the dose because it really made me feel drowsy the following day, so I would break it up and take a very small piece of the pill. Also, if you don't go to bed after taking it and stay up for a while, it can have the adverse effect on you. Makes you really sleepy, but makes your restless legs symptoms worse. Good luck!"

• Kam...
• January 20, 2012

Carbidopa / levodopa for Restless Legs Syndrome "I have suffered from restless legs syndrome for 14 years and have been taking Sinemet since. The only medication that works for me, but it only lasts for 2 to 3 hours, then I need to take it again. For nearly 2 years, I have come to realize that after eating food or drink containing MSG/monosodium glutamate - 621, 627, it contributes to my suffering. So, if I eat less of this, I will suffer less."

• Gig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2020

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I never took illegal drugs, but my experience was like I heard when people took LSD. I had horrid hallucinatory dreams, sweating, depression, increased anger, lack of impulsive control, weight gain, all within two weeks. Having Parkinson's is better than the side effects I had with this drug."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2017

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I've been taking Rytary since Feb 2016. I settled in on taking 3 capsules of Rytary 48.75 mg/195 mg 4 times a day and 1 capsule of Rytary 61.25 mg/245 mg at bedtime. Initially, this dosing combination allowed me to achieve virtually no downtime until I experienced some serious stress, which eventually led to 4 to 6 hours of off time a day, as well as significant dyskinesia between doses, especially as the day wore on. Next, I was favorably evaluated and underwent DBS surgery in Feb 2017. With stimulation, I'm still on the same daytime dose, but have stopped taking 2 capsules of Rytary 48.75 mg/195 mg at bedtime. With virtually no downtime and no noticeable dyskinesia, Rytary has worked very well for me during this time. With DBS, I hope to reduce daily Rytary."

• You...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 13, 2017

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I've been on Rytary since 2015 and at times was on 5 pills 4 times a day of the 48.75-195 dosage. Partial neuroleptic seizures were a result, mild psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, mood swings, depression, dyskinesia, dystonia, impulse control, sleeplessness, among others, all things I've dealt with at some point along the way. I'm now on 3 pills 5 times a day, with a small dose of 2 mg Artane in between 4 times a day. I have not been able to really lock down whatever makes it work. It is wildly inconsistent, but when it's on, it's on, and I get some normal time. Certain strains of medical marijuana help increase the efficacy of this drug, kicking in sooner and can give me up to 6-7 hours of normal time instead of 1 hour to kick in and 1-2 hours normal time."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 27, 2019

For Restless Legs Syndrome "This medication has completely rid me of my RLS. I've never in 12 years had to change the dosage, and the RLS has never augmented. I can't imagine people living with RLS their whole lives without having any relief."

• mic...
• September 8, 2009

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I was placed on Sinemet CR (1 x 4 times daily) as a result of Sinemet 'wearing off.' I am a carer for my wife, who is extremely disabled, thus I needed a medication that allowed me to still manage her needs whilst controlling my Parkinson's. CR has worked, and although I have episodes of trembling as I get nearer the end of a 6-hour medication cycle, I am very happy with it as I am able to tend to my wife's medical needs and carry out cooking duties as required."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2018

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "Since cutting my dosage of Mirapexin, which was causing me to sleep excessively, and using Sinemet, I feel a lot better. I had also gained 12 kilos while taking Mirapexin, which seemed to give me a sugar craving. I am not up to the full dose of Sinemet yet, but I am optimistic that I will lose the weight I have gained. Motor skills that I was told should return haven't as yet. Paul, 57, Sports Teacher. Brighton, England."

• R R...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 20, 2017

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I have been taking Sinemet for more than 6 months. I started with 1 pill every meal (3 times a day), and then I went to two pills with every meal. I feel okay, except that I am having problems with my eyes. I see double sometimes. Furthermore, I have been afflicted with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome since the age of 19 years old. This causes dry eyes, plus I have eyelashes going inward, which does not help matters. I rated Sinemet an 8, but I am sure Sinemet is good for me since I no longer have the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. My problems seem to be associated more with my eyes."

• nra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2013

For Restless Legs Syndrome "This medicine has provided effective relief this past year. Timing is everything. I am finding I need to take earlier in the evening as it may take as long as an hour and a half to kick in. Then effects wear off by 3:30 a.m. or so, and another dose is needed to get through the rest of the night."

• Sim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2017

Carbidopa / levodopa for Restless Legs Syndrome "At first, I thought Sinemet was the greatest thing ever. I took it for two years and began to suffer all sorts of odd side effects, which I didn't at first associate with the drug. But the worst was one that nearly killed me. I didn't even realize it was happening at first because I was having brief periods of blackout. I'd be walking and suddenly feel as though the earth had shifted under my feet. It finally happened while I was driving. I snapped out of it, fortunately without hitting anyone or anything, but didn't know where I was. I stopped taking it and all the symptoms I'd experienced disappeared."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 18, 2022

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "It took a while to find the right dose of Rytary, so the start of this drug was pretty rocky. I take 3 of the 23.75/95 capsules 4 times a day and have no wear-off and no side effects! It's pretty amazing, considering with Sinemet and C/L CR, I was having nausea and frequent wear-off. If you can get through the frustration of having to deal with tremor, stiffness, slowness, and stuff while you're finding the right dose, it's so worth it when you get there. Rytary is smooth and just holds steady. No peaks and valleys. It just works and keeps working until the next dose kicks in. Awesome. I've never felt better!!!!"

• blo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2014

For Restless Legs Syndrome "This combination has kept my restless legs syndrome at bay. Occasionally, I'll feel the symptoms between doses, so I take a 1/2 pill, which seems to take care of the problem. I don't think I have any side effects from it. All in all, I'm very satisfied with this medication."

• Bie...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 8, 2020

Carbidopa / levodopa for Restless Legs Syndrome "Sinemet worked for RLS for six months, then stopped. Now it is ineffective at any dose. Anti-seizure meds don't help. The only thing that works is Klonopin. I'd rather not take a benzo, but it beats getting slammed every night at 7 PM. Go figure. No increase in dosage in 19 years. Best wishes to all."

• Jim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 18, 2023

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I was first diagnosed at the VA with mild early stage PD. The doctor prescribed 100mg and 80mg of gabapentin. I felt sick and drowsy when I was taking 100mg in the morning, noon, and night with the gabapentin. I kept complaining that my life is gone, and all I do is sleep. In 2022, I ended up with RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), and after 6 months of no sleep, I ended up in the hospital being treated for my deteriorating health and RLS. One day, I read a report that stated high doses of Sinemet CR could trigger RLS. Now I have both RLS and PD, and I found that Ropinerole helps with RLS, which it did. Finally, in 2023, I found an excellent doctor who prescribed it, and I was finally able to sleep better again. Now I also take 25mg/100mg of carbidopa/levodopa and gabapentin, but the damage was done, and I still deal with fatigue from Sinemet CR. It's not bad enough coming home with PTSD from Vietnam and other complications agent Orange."

• San...
• April 18, 2016

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I've been taking carbidopa/levodopa (generic for Sinemet) for almost 20 years. No side effects. However, timing is the key. I try to eat dinner very early, around 5 o'clock, so the food is totally digested by 11-12 o'clock midnight. Otherwise, it could take a long time to feel results, especially if you've eaten a lot of protein or fatty foods. It even states in the 'fine print' of this drug that its effectiveness is determined by how much protein you eat. I take one 25/100mg carbidopa/levodopa (CL) at 9:30 pm PLUS one 25/100 and one 50/200mg of CL after 11:00 pm. My doc also prescribed half of a 10mg Flexeril to take before bed. It 'knocks me out' and I SLEEP!!"

• Dee...
• June 19, 2014

For Restless Legs Syndrome "Been on this for going on 15 years now. It has worked so well for me that I haven't even bothered to try the newer things out there. I very rarely have to take more than one even after taking it for this length of time."

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 28, 2022

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I was taking Rytary 3 capsules 3 times a day of the 95-23 mg, and I didn't realize how good this drug works until I could not afford it anymore. Being on disability, I depended on grants to pay for this drug, but I guess it's the sign of the times that there is no funding available anywhere, and it's back to generic carbidopa/levodopa and being stiff all day. So if you can afford this drug, I highly recommend it. It worked wonderfully for me when I was lucky enough to get it."

• Zig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 15, 2018

Carbidopa / levodopa for Restless Legs Syndrome "I've been taking 50 mg of Sinemet for RLS every night, just before bed. While it reduces RLS, my wife still says I twitch. Side effects: cold feet, I have to wear socks at night and even during normal activities around the house. Lately, I've noticed forgetfulness, a listed side effect. Am thinking about switching medications. However, all RLS meds seem to have the same side effects. I may go to Gabapentin Enacarbil or Horizant."

• Pam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 25, 2017

Carbidopa / levodopa for Restless Legs Syndrome "I have been taking Sinemet for several years. It has worked great for me. I take one every night before bed. But I have recently stopped taking it and turned to using essential oils instead. I have not taken a Sinemet for the last 10 nights and have had no issues with my RLS! But I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for relief from the symptoms! Myself, I prefer natural ways to help with my ailments!"

• KMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2021

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "My father started Rytary 48.75-195 dosage, 3 pills, 4 times a day. He got worse with this medication. I personally think he was overmedicated by his doctor. He hadn't experienced dyskinesia yet, and within the second day of Rytary, it was so bad we were worried he would break his teeth due to how he was tightening his jaw and grinding his teeth. He had only experienced psychosis twice within his 10-year diagnosis, and every single day he was suffering from psychosis; irritable, argumentative, paranoid, angry, and extremely sensitive when he would talk about his past. Almost as if his personality had completely changed with Rytary. I'm not sure if he will continue it because he's gotten worse mentally and emotionally. It's a lot for us, caregivers. Physically, he's walking better and sleeping a tad better. I think Rytary needs to require a psychological exam before being prescribed this medication for Parkinson's."

• Kan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 10, 2017

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I've had RLS since childhood. I began on carbidopa in the 1990s, but I quickly became used to it and was switched to Sinemet around 2000. It works well, with no side effects. I'm on a very low dose. Like many others here, timing is everything, and there are many other factors to consider: - Take Sinemet at least 1/2 to 1 hour before you eat. - Eat early (so food digests before you go to bed). - Eat a light meal (heavy or spicy foods can amplify the symptoms of RLS). - Refrain from drinking liquids about an hour before bed. - Stress can aggravate RLS symptoms (try yoga or some other stress reduction activity). - Adjust the room temperature to be comfortable. - Maintain a healthy weight. - Exercise!!!"

• cjd...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 20, 2020

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "I've been taking Rytary for over two years now. I am on a high dosage and have tolerated it well: 4 capsules 4 times a day, 36.25-145 mg. I also take 100 mg of Amantadine 3 times a day to help with any dyskinesia."

• Hob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

Carbidopa / levodopa for Parkinson's Disease "Diagnosed with PD at age 62. I am now 78. I take 8 capsules of Rytary 245 daily and supplement with carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 as needed. It is the best extender so far. I was getting too much dyskinesia from entacapone. The cost is very high with my Medicare Advantage plan. Over $500 per month my cost when in the drug coverage gap."

• Pat...
• October 2, 2010

Carbidopa / levodopa for Restless Legs Syndrome "I have restless legs both at night and during the day. The Sinemet helps some at night, but doesn't last through the night. I can't take it during the day because it makes me sleepy and upsets my stomach. If I take it with food, it doesn't work at all. I have a heart condition, so there are some medicines I can't take."