overdose

[disilusioned]

I was diagnosed Feb 1 2024. Is it possible to overdose on Co-Beneldopa 200 MG. I take three doses a day [3 x 200 mg]. I try to take them at 8-hour intervals but often screw up, as my memory is so bad.

Any side effects of Co-Beneldopa?

[Bergenser]

Dear Disillusioned,

I'm sorry to you have got this diagnosis.

Not all PSP or CBS patients have benefits from levodopa but it is usually tried after diagnosis in case you are one of the minority who finds it helps.

It could be less effective if you are not taking it at the right times, and there are possible side effects. There are also warnings against taking too many/too often.

Side effects can include insomnia, twitching, and compulsive behaviours - just to mention a few of the popular ones

NHS has a lot of information about co-beneldopa

nhs.uk/medicines/co-beneldopa/

I believe you should talk to your neurologist or Parkinson's nurse or other specialist nurse if you have concerns about your medication. It is very possible it is not right for you.

Sending hope and hugs 🌻🫂

[disilusioned in reply to Bergenser]

Thank you for your sympathetic reply, Bergenser. I seem to have benefitted a lot from the drug so far! When I didn't take the second dose, I lost the use of my right leg for a while yesterday. That really scared me!

If you've had the disease, for how long?

Take care, and thanks for the hugs and hope.

Kate

[Bergenser in reply to disilusioned]

I care for my husband who was diagnosed with PSP in June 2021. He had a strong response to co-careldopa (slightly different dopamine based drug), it would make his speech and movement fluid for four hours at a time. We were advised to step down the dosage last autumn as it is less effective now, still noticeable difference if he has missed a dose, and he will try to take the next tablet early if we don't supervise closely. There are side effects too hence the focus on reducing the dose if it's not fully effective.

Having double checked the NHS info about my husband's tablets, I was referred back to health unlocked for posts tagged to this; many were related to other conditions e.g. restless legs. You might be able to search by the tags relevant to your medication.

healthunlocked.com/tag/carb...

If you struggle to remember when to take the drugs - or whether you have taken it - there are pill containers with day and time on the compartments, this makes it easier to check. And Alexa is happy to give reminders - "yeah take medicine".

Take care. If the drugs help you that is a very positive sign. And even if the effect gets reduced over time, you might be able to add Amantedine which can improve the effect of the levodopa and give a boost of energy (with the risk of more side effects of course).

I hope you have family/partner/friends that are supporting you through this. It's a hard diagnosis, but with no treatment you don't have to "fight" it, you just focus on doing the things that matter most. There is much love and support in this forum. 🌻🫂

[Sharsuk]

My husband takes 2 tablets Syndopa plus (levodopa 100 mg + carbidopa 25 mg) 5 times at 3 hour intervals. Recommended by neurologist. If he forgets a dose or delays, his speech and movement deteriorates. He has set alarm in his mobile to maintain regular timings.

Regards

Usha

[OB10]

I don’t know about OD on it but I’ve set an alarm on my phone to take my stuff at 6 hourly intervals as I’d never remember to take it