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Atamet Side Effects

Generic name: carbidopa / levodopa

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 17, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Atamet Side Effects associated with carbidopa / levodopa. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Atamet.

Applies to carbidopa / levodopa: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating, oral tablet extended release.

Serious side effects of Atamet

Along with its needed effects, carbidopa / levodopa may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking carbidopa / levodopa:

More common side effects

  • twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

Less common side effects

  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • discouragement
  • feeling sad or empty
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • inability to move the eyes
  • increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
  • irritability
  • lack of appetite
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • lower back or side pain
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • sticking out of tongue
  • tiredness
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowing
  • trouble sleeping
  • uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
  • unusual facial expressions

Incidence not known

  • anxiety
  • black, tarry stools
  • bluish color
  • blurred vision
  • changes in skin color
  • chest discomfort
  • chills
  • convulsions
  • cough or hoarseness
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • dry mouth
  • false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
  • fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • feelings about hurting oneself or others
  • fever with or without chills
  • general feeling of tiredness or weakness
  • high fever
  • hyperventilation
  • increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
  • increased interest in sexual intercourse
  • increased sweating
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • loss of bladder control
  • lower back or side pain
  • nausea
  • pain
  • pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
  • restlessness
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • severe muscle stiffness
  • shaking
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • swelling of the foot or leg
  • swollen glands
  • tenderness
  • tiredness
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • unusually pale skin
  • vomiting

Other side effects of Atamet

Some side effects of carbidopa / levodopa may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

  • acid or sour stomach
  • back or shoulder pain
  • belching
  • body aches or pain
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • ear congestion
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • loss of voice
  • muscle cramps
  • nasal congestion
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • unusual dreams
  • weight loss

Incidence not known

  • abdominal or stomach distress
  • bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • belching
  • change in taste
  • dark sweat
  • double vision
  • enlarged pupils
  • feeling of warmth
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • lack or loss of strength
  • redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • seeing double
  • skin rash, hives or welts, itching

For healthcare professionals

Applies to carbidopa / levodopa: enteral suspension, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions reported include nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, dyskinesia, anxiety, constipation, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension.[Ref]

Nervous system

Psychiatric

Postmarketing: Suicide attempt, suicidal ideation[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular ischemic events occurred in 2.4% (7 of 289) patients receiving carbidopa-levodopa extended-release capsules compared to 1.1% (1 of 92) of patients receiving placebo in early Parkinson's disease clinical trials. In advanced Parkinson's disease, 0.7 % (3 of 450) patients experienced cardiovascular ischemic events. These patients had a previous history of ischemic heart disease or risk factors for ischemic heart disease.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Local

Insertion site complication was reported in 57% of patients who received this drug compared with 44% of patients who received a PEG-J tube without receiving treatment. The most common adverse reactions associated with naso-jejunal (NJ) insertion were oropharyngeal pain, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, pain, throat irritation, gastrointestinal injury, esophageal hemorrhage, anxiety, dysphagia, and vomiting. The most common adverse reactions associated with PEG-J insertion included upper abdominal pain, duodenal ulcer, duodenal ulcer hemorrhage, erosive duodenitis, erosive gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intussusception, peritonitis, post-operative abscess, and small intestine ulcer.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Respiratory

Hepatic

Renal

Other

Genitourinary

Hematologic

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Ocular

Oncologic

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Sinemet (carbidopa-levodopa)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals

2. (2001) "Product Information. Sinemet CR (carbidopa-levodopa)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals

3. (2004) "Product Information. Parcopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." Schwarz Pharma

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

6. (2015) "Product Information. Rytary (carbidopa-levodopa)." Impax Generics

7. (2015) "Product Information. Duopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie US LLC

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Atamet side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.