Great news that your B6 levels are normal — that's a solid starting point! Starting carbidopa/levodopa is a big step, and it's completely natural to wonder what's ahead.
Here's what to generally expect in the early days:
- Nausea is one of the most common early side effects — taking it 30 minutes before a meal can help with Show Full Answer
Great news that your B6 levels are normal — that's a solid starting point! Starting carbidopa/levodopa is a big step, and it's completely natural to wonder what's ahead.
Here's what to generally expect in the early days:
- Nausea is one of the most common early side effects — taking it 30 minutes before a meal can help with absorption, but if nausea hits, a plain cracker or ginger tea can settle your stomach
- Dizziness or drowsiness may occur, so avoid driving until you know how it affects you
- Headaches, sleep changes, or appetite shifts are also possible early on One important thing to keep in mind — the medication may not feel like it's working right away. As a MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "It takes a while for the meds to work, but they do help." Patience really does pay off here.
Also, try not to be discouraged by inconsistent days early on. Another MyParkinsonsTeam member noted that some days the meds work great, and other days they take longer to kick in — that's pretty common. Since your B6 is currently normal, it's still worth asking your doctor about monitoring it periodically, especially if your dose increases over time. Let your doctor know right away if you notice any new numbness, tingling, mood changes, or muscle weakness down the road.
Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your dosage — never stop or adjust it on your own.
October 19
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