Levodopa is converted into dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Carbidopa helps prevent levodopa from breaking down as it travels to the brain, and entacapone increases the amount of levodopa in your body. This combination medication is used to treat Parkinson symptoms.

Before starting Stalevo, tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you’ve experienced heart disease, hypertension, breathing problems, glaucoma, and mental illness. Stalevo may take several weeks to improve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if effects seem to wear off quickly. Talk to your doctor if you become pregnant or breast-feed. Keep hydrated while taking this medication. Take Stalevo regularly to keep a steady amount in your body. Tell every medical professional that treats you or administers tests that you take Stalevo.

Do not use Stalevo if you have used a MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Do not use Stalevo if you are allergic to any of the drug’s components, if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, unusual skin lesions, or a history of skin cancer. Use caution when driving or doing anything that requires alertness. Avoid getting up too quickly. Avoid iron supplements and a high-protein diet. As Stalevo can interact harmfully with other drugs, tell your doctor all other medications you take.

You may experience: increased sexual urges, urges to gamble, other urges, and hallucinations. Some people develop skin cancer after using Parkinson’s medications. Overdose symptoms include: weakness, coordination issues, breathing problems, fainting, and convulsions. Find emergency medical help if you suspect an allergic reaction or an overdose. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice serious effects, such as: nausea and sweating, feeling faint, depression, confusion, hallucinations, unusual mood/behavior, tremors, uncontrollable movements, severe diarrhea, extreme thirst, weight loss, fast/pounding/uneven pulse, chest pain, and other effects. Less serious effects can include: digestive issues, dry mouth, change in taste perception, unusual skin changes, drowsiness, headache, vision issues, back pain, muscle cramps, agitation, and sleep problems. Your urine, sweat, and saliva may also take on a darker color, but this is not a harmful side effect.