Co-beneldopa is used to treat the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It can help with shaking (tremors), slowness and stiffness. These are called motor symptoms because they affect the way you move.
Parkinson's disease can make it harder for your brain to send messages to your muscles. This can make you shake, make your muscles stiff, or slow your movements. Co-beneldopa works by making it easier for your brain to send messages to your muscles again.
Co-beneldopa contains 2 medicines, called levodopa and benserazide. These are both used for Parkinson's disease.
It's only available on prescription. It comes as standard capsules, slow-release capsules and tablets that dissolve in water (dispersible tablets).
Key facts
- Co-beneldopa helps with Parkinson's symptoms that affect your movements. It does not help with other symptoms such as depression and losing your sense of smell.
- You'll usually feel co-beneldopa beginning to work after your first dose, but it can take up to 3 weeks to feel the full effect.
- Possible side effects include feeling sick or dizzy, problems sleeping and uncontrollable jerking movements.
- It's important to take co-beneldopa at the same times each day to control your symptoms.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. If you need to stop taking it, your doctor or specialist nurse will reduce your dose gradually.
- If you're having surgery, tell the doctor that you're taking co-beneldopa. You may need to stop taking it before having a general anaesthetic.
- If co-beneldopa makes you feel sleepy or dizzy, do not drive, cycle or use tools and machinery until you feel better.