About levodopa + benserazide
Dopamine replacement medicine
Used for
- Treats symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including slowness, stiffness and tremor.
Usual adult dose
Usually started at one capsule three times daily, then adjusted gradually by a specialist.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, especially on standing
- Involuntary movements
- Sleepiness or sudden sleep episodes
Important warnings
- May cause low blood pressure, hallucinations or confusion.
- Do not stop suddenly; symptoms can worsen severely.
- Can cause sudden sleepiness; use caution with driving.
- People with glaucoma, heart disease or a history of melanoma need medical assessment.
Pregnancy
Generally avoided during pregnancy unless a specialist considers it essential.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended during breastfeeding; levodopa may reduce milk production.
Interactions
- Iron supplements can reduce absorption; separate doses.
- Antipsychotics and some anti-nausea medicines may reduce its effect.
- Non-selective MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous blood-pressure changes.
- High-protein meals may reduce or delay absorption.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.