Carbidopa/Levodopa
Levodopa is required by the brain to produce dopamine, an important neurotransmitter. People with Parkinson’s disease have depleted levels of dopamine, leading to debilitating symptoms. Levodopa is given to increase production of dopamine, which in turn reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. When taken by mouth, most levodopa is broken down by the body before it reaches the brain. Sinemet® combines levodopa with carbidopa, a drug that prevents the breakdown, allowing levodopa to reach the brain to increase dopamine levels.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—This medication may deplete these substances from the body or interfere with how they work; extra intake may help replenish them. |
Vitamin B3*
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May Be Beneficial: Side effect reduction and/or prevention—These substances may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.
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none |
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May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—These substances may help this medication work better. |
Vitamin C*
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Avoid: Reduces drug effectiveness—When taking this medication, avoid these substances as they may decrease the medication's absorption and/or activity in the body. |
Iron
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Avoid: Adverse interaction—When taking this medication, avoid these substances, as the combination may cause undesirable or dangerous interactions. |
none |
Check: Explanation needed—When taking this medication, read the article details and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these substances. |
5-HTP
Vitamin B6
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.
