Why is Carbidopa, Levodopa prescribed?
Sinemet CR is a controlled-release tablet that may be given to help relieve the muscle stiffness, tremor, and weakness caused by Parkinson’s disease. It may also be given to relieve Parkinson-like symptoms caused by encephalitis (brain fever), carbon monoxide poisoning, or manganese poisoning. Sinemet CR contains two drugs, carbidopa and levodopa. The drug that actually produces the anti-Parkinson’s effect is levodopa. Carbidopa prevents vitamin B6 from destroying levodopa, thus allowing levodopa to work more efficiently. Parkinson’s drugs such as Sinemet CR relieve the symptoms of the disease, but are not a permanent cure.
