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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dizziness, Sweating And Freezing While On Carbidopa-Levodopa

Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015

Question: i was in the hospital yesterday because of a severe episode of dizziness, sweating and severe freezing to the point of not being able to walk at all and could hardly talk. I was tested for the possibility of a TIA and all test were normal. my blood pressure was the sane lying down, sitting or standing. While in the hospital i did not take any of my Parkinson's medication and by afternoon the freezing that began about 6 months ago - after being diagnosed less than 5 years ago and having few symptoms- was so much better than it has been for at least 2 months. I was given my regular dose of carbodopa-levodopa late in he afternoon and then took a short nap. When i got up my walking was back to freezing and today at home, taking regular doses of c-d the freezing has been very bad. The Mirapex that i was taking was stopped. For Parkinson's i also take Ritalin and Azilect. It does not seem reasonable but it really seems like the carbodopa levadopa is causing the freezing. Is this posssible?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, carbidopa-levodopa can cause your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

"Freezing " while on treatment with Carbidopa-levodopa for Parkinson's, is known also as the on-off phenomenon.

This condition consists on improved motor function period (on period), and sudden changes of motor function (off period), it is often encountered in patients who have been treated with long time with levodopa as the levodopa becomes less effective.

In my opinion, you should discuss with your treating Doctor about changing the doses and frequency of Carbidopa-levodopa intake first, in order to lessen these on-of periods.

Another possibility, since your condition still responds to levodopa, is the treatment with Carbidopa-levodopa continuous infusion that requires a small microsurgical procedure.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 hours later)

doesn't really answer the question of whether the meds can actually cause the freezing as it appeared to do as my freezing symptoms went away the day in the hospital when I did not take any Parkinson's meds and began again when I began taking carbidopa levodopa. I do not see any indication that I as responding to levodopa as I don't see any improvement in the freezing after I take it. However, I should learn something tomorrow as I plan to not take the c-d until 4:00pm as I did when I was in the hospital and see if I have the same reaction. I shall let you know!!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Levodopa impaired action after long use.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

Freezing after long use of levodopa isn't caused by scheduled use, it is more an impaired effect of long term use of levodopa.

However, let's wait for the situation after the missed dose of carbidopa-levodopa.

I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T