Lodosyn

Lodosyn is used together with another medicine called levodopa to help treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, like stiffness or tremors.

Lodosyn and levodopa are also used to treat symptoms that look like Parkinson's disease, which can be caused by certain medicines or by being exposed to harmful gases or minerals such as carbon monoxide or manganese.

Lodosyn is only effective when used with levodopa and does not work on its own.

Lodosyn may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you are already taking levodopa but have never taken Lodosyn, start taking both medicines at least 12 hours after your last dose of levodopa by itself.

Take both Lodosyn and levodopa together at regular times to maintain consistent levels in your body.

You may need frequent medical tests.

Your symptoms may not get better for several weeks. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if the effects of this medicine wear off quickly between doses.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Lodosyn suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

This medicine can affect the results of some medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are using Lodosyn.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use Lodosyn if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma.

Do not use Lodosyn if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• nausea and vomiting while taking levodopa;
• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
• glaucoma; or
• depression, mental illness, or psychosis.

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Ask your doctor about skin symptoms to watch for.

It is not known if Lodosyn will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Lodosyn.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The following side effects may occur when Lodosyn is taken with levodopa.

Lodosyn may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe drowsiness;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking, or eye movement);
• worsening of tremors (uncontrolled shaking);
• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• depression or suicidal thoughts;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• severe nervous system reaction—very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Some people taking Lodosyn with levodopa have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking Lodosyn. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

You may notice that your sweat, urine, or saliva appears dark in color, such as red, brown, or black. This is not a harmful side effect, but it may cause staining of your clothes or bed sheets.

Common side effects of Lodosyn may include:

• nausea, upset stomach;
• headache, dizziness;
• sleep problems (insomnia), dreaming more than usual;
• dry mouth, burning feeling in your tongue;
• weight changes; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it's nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Get your prescription refilled before you completely run out of medicine.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you understand how Lodosyn will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid taking iron supplements or eating a diet high in protein. These can make it harder for your body to digest and absorb Lodosyn and levodopa. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about the best foods to eat or avoid.

Using Lodosyn with other drugs that cause drowsiness can make this effect worse. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may impact Lodosyn, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.