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Suggest Alternate Over The Counter Medicine For Sinemet

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Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015
Question: I recently switched from a generic to brand name sinemet. I live in Hawaii, and sinemet cr is not available here, so they could only provide me with the regular brand name. After 5 days of use, I find that the non-brand carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 cr version suits me better than the sine met without cr. Is is OK for me to go back to the generic now?

I have tried several generics, and find great variations in their effectiveness. That was the reason for going with the brand name.

Thank you.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Safe to return to generics

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I understand that since using a branded form of sinemet your Parkinson has gotten worse. That you feel better with the generic brands of sinemet. When it comes to Parkinson's whatever works best for you is what you need to do. There is no danger is switching from a branded form to a generic. There is no withdrawal or increase in symptoms when switching.


I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (3 hours later)
Thank you for answering a part of my question. The rest of the question I had was whether the switch from a cr version to a non-cr version would create problems.

Other related questions I have are:

1. I need to take about 6 tablets of 25/100 carbidopa/levodopa during about 15 hours each day. Since the recommended interval between doses is 4-6 hours, how do I achieve this? The breaking of cr tablets is not recommended.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
switching to Cr to immediate release

Detailed Answer:
You can use up to 8 of the immediate release pills a day. So at this time you can use the 6 tablets and just take a combination of pills 3-4 times per day. In other words 2 tablets 3 times a day or 2 tablets twice in the morning hours and 1 twice in the evening hours. Do what ever combination you need to reduce your tremor.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Suggest Alternate Over The Counter Medicine For Sinemet

Brief Answer: Safe to return to generics Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns I understand that since using a branded form of sinemet your Parkinson has gotten worse. That you feel better with the generic brands of sinemet. When it comes to Parkinson's whatever works best for you is what you need to do. There is no danger is switching from a branded form to a generic. There is no withdrawal or increase in symptoms when switching. I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions