Madopar (Levodopa + Benserazide)

This medicine contains two active ingredients levodopa and benserazide. It belongs to a group of medicines called dopamine agonists (for raising the amount of dopamine in the brain when the cells that naturally produce dopamine are damaged or destroyed). Madopar is prescribed when the low level of dopamine causes nerve messages to the muscles to become low (Parkinson's disease) which is symptomized by stiffness, shaking, tremor and slowness of movement.

Is Madopar suitable for me?

Madopar is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to levodopa, benserazide or to other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have pressure in your eyes called ‘narrow-angle glaucoma’
• if you have severe kidneys, liver or heart problems 
• if you have a serious hormone problems, such as an overactive thyroid gland
• if you have a severe mental health problems
• if you have depression and you are treating it with ‘non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor’
• if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• if you are under 25 years of age
• if you have ever had skin cancer

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have problems with your hormones, kidneys, lungs or liver.
• have diabetes
• have liver disease
• have, or have ever had stomach ulcers
• have heart problems
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or have just given birth
• have ever had a fit (convulsion)
• have any of the mentioned: an overactive thyroid gland, Cushing's syndrome, weakened bones (osteomalacia), or a growth on your adrenal glands (phaeochromocytoma)

Madopar interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Madopar?

This medicine is available in form of a prolonged-release capsule and tablet.

You should take Madopar exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• For the tablet, the usual starting dose in the early stages of the disease is one half of 125 mg tablet, taken 3 or 4 times a day. The usual maintenance dose is 125 mg taken 3 to 6 times a day.
• For the prolonged-release capsule, the usual starting dose is 1 capsule taken 3 times a day. The usual maintenance dose is 1 capsule taken 3 to 6 times a day.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Madopar side effects?

Like all medicines Madopar can cause side effects, including:

Common side effects:

• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• tiredness
• pale skin 
• palpitations
• changes to your liver or blood
• feeling excited, anxious, agitated, depressed, aggressive or disorientated
• hallucinations
• sleepiness
• insomnia
• increased sexual drive
• taste disturbance
• redness of the face or neck
• sweating

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.