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Carbidopa / levodopa User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Sinemet, Rytary, Dhivy, Parcopa, Duopa Atamet

Carbidopa / levodopa has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 92 reviews on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Carbidopa / levodopa

  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • nurhan
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 29, 2017

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "The initial results seemed to improve on times, compared with Sinemet, however the side effects had a devastating impact on my family relationships. Out of nowhere I became a compulsive gambler. Other issues of sleeplessness, hypersexaulity ,anxiety, just to name a few. The minute I stopped using Rytary all these issues went away. To be fair, impulse control issues were a concern with the regular Sinemet product but I was always able to stop the above negative behaviors. Rytary warning label spells out these side effects so anyone with impulse control problems should be on guard when trying this product."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 3, 2017

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "I've been taking Rytary since Feb 2016, I settled in on taking 3 capsules of Rytary 48.75mg/195mg 4 times a day & 1 capsule of Rytary 61.25 mg / 245 mg at bedtime initially this dosing combination allowed me to achieve virtually no down time 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 day dose, but have stopped taking 2 capsules Rytary 48.75mg/195mg at bedtime with virtually no down time and no noticeable dyskinesia. Rytary has work very well for me during this time. With DBS hope to reduce daily Rytary"

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

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

Rytary (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 parkinsons is better than the side effects I had with this drug"

1 / 10
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  • Your...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 13, 2017

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "I've been on Rytary since 2015 and at times was on 5 pills 4 x a day of the 48.75-195 dosage. Partial neuroleptic seizures were a result, mild psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, mood swings, depression, dyskenisia dystonia, impulse control, sleeplesness, 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 2mg artane in between 4 x 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. Kicks in sooner and can give me up to 6-7 hours of normal time. Instead of 1hr to kick in and 1-2 hrs normal time."

3 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

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

Sinemet (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 Steven-Johnston Syndrome, since the age of 19 years old. This causes Dry Eyes plus I have eye lashes going In ward, which does not help matters. I rated Sinemet as 8 but I am sure Sinemet is good for me since I no longer have the symptoms associated with Parkinson disease. My problems seem to be associated more with eyes"

8 / 10
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  • michmal
  • September 8, 2009

Sinemet CR (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 which 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 an 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."

8 / 10
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More FAQ

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

Sinemet (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."

1 / 10
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  • nras
  • 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 am or so and another dose is needed to get through the rest of the night."

8 / 10
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  • Paul...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 18, 2018

Sinemet (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 12kilos 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"

8 / 10
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  • Tom
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 28, 2022

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "I was taking Rytary 3 capsules 3 times a day of the 95-23mg 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 its the sign of the times that there is no funding available anywhere and its back to generic carbidopa/levidopa 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."

10 / 10
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  • Deej
  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Sar
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 18, 2022

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "It took awhile 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!!!!"

10 / 10
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  • Jim...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 18, 2023

Sinemet CR (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."

9 / 10
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  • blond...
  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Sansc...
  • April 18, 2016

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I've been taking carbidopa/Levidopa (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 it's effectiveness is determined by how much protein you eat. I take one 25/100mg Carbidopa/Levidopa(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's "knocks me out" and I SLEEP!!"

8 / 10
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  • HardT...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 7, 2022

Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "I started on Sinemet about a year ago for stage 2 Parkinsons. Since I have been on this medication my tremors and shuffling gait have improved dramatically. Before starting my body movements were virtually uncontrollable. Now I can function almost normally. Sinement also allowed me to return to work after being unable to work for about 8 months. Granted I can not do the same job I was doing (Nurse) but I am able to work in an administrative function. A huge weight was lifted because of Sinemet..."

10 / 10
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  • Pamda
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 25, 2017

Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) for Restless Legs Syndrome "I have been taking Sinemet for several years.... it has work 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 any one who is looking for relief from the symptoms! Myself I prefer natural ways to help with my ailments!"

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  • Bieu
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 8, 2020

Sinemet (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."

10 / 10
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  • Hobbs
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 7, 2020

Rytary (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."

8 / 10
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  • cjdea...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 20, 2020

Rytary (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 4x a day, 36.25-145mg. I also take 100mg of Amantadine 3x a day to help with any dyskinesia."

8 / 10
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  • Alma
  • February 17, 2020

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "My 87 year old dad has had Parkinson's disease since 2014 he’s been on 25/100 Mg C/L 2 pills 2 x a day... then my dad’s left leg looked really weak like 3 wks ago and his neuro put him on Rytary 48.75 mg/195 2 pills 3 x a day. First dose he took at night (after his first 2 doses of CL- morning and mid afternoon) he was able to sleep all night and had more strength in his left leg. But 2 1/2 wks later he started hallucinating and seeing goats and people talking and hanging out the living room window. His stress level was up and he had the worst shakes. He was restless and little sleep. Neuro said to give him dose with food but my mom and my dad were exhausted of the hallucinations and little sleep. So we skipped his evening dose of Rytary and he slept all night till late morning and we gave him CL again and this time 2 pills 3 x a day. Still monitoring him to see how he does. I wonder if we can give him CL and then one dose of Rytary in evening??"

5 / 10
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  • Charlie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 26, 2023

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's Disease "Diagnosed with Parkinson's 3 years ago. Been on a combination of Sinemet IR/ER for the past 2 years and off times deceased to just below 3 hours. Doctor wanted me to try Rytary. He calculated a dose of 48.75/195 3 capsules 4 times a day. Day 1 only had very slight nausea but a noticeable difference in clarity and muscle pain. On day 2 first dose gave me bad nausea, decreasing a bit between each dose taken. Had to stop taking it after the second dose of the day, switching back to Sinemet and contacting doctor. We both concluded my dose may be too high. Decreased to 2 capsules 4 times a day and add 1 Sinemet ER with each dose, thus finding a sweet spot so can correct dosage of Rytary. Restarted medication plan. Been 3 days now, no nausea and best I've felt in a long time during the day with no off times. Still need to adjust my night medication but so far pleased with the results."

10 / 10
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  • Kansas...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • October 10, 2017

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I've had RLS since a child. I began on Carbadopa in the 1990's, but I quickly became used to it, and was switched to Sinemet about 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 a 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!!!"

10 / 10
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  • Zigpa
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 15, 2018

Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) for Restless Legs Syndrome "I've been taking 50mg 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."

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.