Is It Safe To Take Carbidopa/levodopa And Azilect Together?

Posted on Mon, 25 Mar 2024

Question: My wife (age 75) has been treated for Parkinson for 4 years. Due to travel distance she has switched to a new neurologist. He has prescribe azilect (0.5) to be taken with carbidopa/levodopa (4 years), In reading the possible interactions I have some concerns. Is it safe to take these 2 medications together. Complete list of medications follow:
Carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 MG 4 x daily
Carbidopa/levodopa 50/200 1 x daily
Azilect (0.5) Scheduled to begin Monday
Amlodipine Besylate 10MG
Simvastain 20MG
Alprazolam 0.25 MG
Metformin 850MG
Amantadine 100MG
Uribel
In addition, she has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and is pre-diabetic.

She currently has episodes during the day when the tremors are extremely bad and also cases nausea.

The main question is the possible interaction of the new drug (azilect) and whether it will worsen the effects of her condition or cause other problems

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue all medications

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
The drug azilect is neuroprotective.
It has many side effects and drug interactions; but it is good in early stages of Parkinson.

I would start at low dose and gradually increase it.
Start the drug as advised and stop if any new problem arises.

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad