The combination of carbidopa and levodopa has been shown to cause mild side effects in some people. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Common side effects reported from carbidopa and levodopa use include:
Uncontrollable movements in the face or legs
Diarrhea
Constipation
Insomnia
Confusion
Dizziness
Nervousness
Dry mouth
Headaches
This is not a complete list of adverse reactions, although they are among the most common.
Serious side effects include:
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Depression
Hallucinations
Suicidal thoughts
Swelling
Difficulty breathing
Hives
Black stools
Blood in stool
Fever
Vomiting
If you begin to notice any of these early signs, seek medical attention right away. These are symptoms of a serious adverse reaction that requires immediate medical care.
As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with carbidopa and levodopa. This medication can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.
Talk to your health care provider about alcohol use while taking this combination medication. Carbidopa and levodopa may interact with alcohol, causing serious side effects.
Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this combination medication. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, inform your health care provider immediately.