Syndopa CR (levodopa, carbidopa) is widely used to treat movement issues in patients with Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's syndrome, or similar movement disorders. It is generally considered one of the most effective treatments, and is often the first-line choice.

This product is the controlled-release version of the medication, as compared to regular, fast-acting Syndopa tablets.

Syndopa CR helps alleviate stiff, rigid muscles, slowed movements, and tremors.

How it Works

Syndopa CR contains two active ingredients, which are:

• Levodopa, also called L-DOPA, is widely regarded as the best treatment for Parkinson's. In the brain it converts to dopamine, which helps patients with movement issues. However, when used on its own, much of levodopa is converted before it reaches the brain, resulting in higher doses, greater risk of side effects, and reduced benefit.
• Carbidopa inhibits conversion of levodopa before it reaches the brain. Including this medication with levodopa means patients receive greater benefit with lower doses and reduced risk/severity of side effects.

Essentially patients are being treated with levodopa, with carbidopa included to facilitate its delivery to the brain and to ease certain side effects.

Limitations

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease; Syndopa CR can provide tremendous benefit for years, but it will not cure Parkinson's or slow its progression. There will come a time when Syndopa CR's effects begin to noticeably decline, and eventually the medication will no longer provide significant benefit. At this point treatment may end.

CR versus Regular Tablets

Some patients have better results with regular, fast-acting tablets, while others have better results with controlled-release versions. This is largely a matter of individual response.

Though still taken several times per day---sometimes every four hours---Syndopa CR keeps levels of the drug more consistent in the body; peak effects are not quite as potent and the medication is not eliminated from the body as quickly as regular versions. This can provide a number of benefits in patients prone to serious side effects:

• On-off syndrome may be less pronounced or eliminated entirely.
• Dyskinesia symptoms---associated with peak effects---are often minimized.
• Other side effects---such as low blood pressure---are often more regular, making them easier to counter with other medications.

There are, of course, always exceptions; Syndopa CR may not provide relief from side effects in all patients. The majority do notice a difference, however, and it may be worth a try if experiencing disruptive side effects.

Note that regular and CR tablets are not interchangeable; patients should not frivolously switch between them.

Taking Syndopa CR

Treatment with this medication is highly individualized; patient response, side effects, other medical conditions, weight, and so forth all influence dosage and frequency of administration. A doctor can help determine dosage, as well as monitor response and developing side effects.

Dosage with Syndopa CR is typically limited by the amount of levodopa, rather than carbidopa. Most patients take somewhere between 400 to 1600 mg of levodopa per day, which is divided into smaller doses that may be taken as frequently as every 4 hours throughout the day.

If starting treatment with Syndopa CR---versus switching from regular Syndopa---dosage will likely start low. It can be increased, if needed---and provided no serious side effects develop---in small increments every three days.

It's not unusual for dosage to increase slowly over time as the condition progresses. There will likely come a time when it's a fine balancing act between effective doses and serious side effects; it is up to the patient and doctor to determine when drawbacks outweigh the benefits and consider ending treatment.

Note that Syndopa CR should not be ended abruptly; dosage should be gradually lowered. A doctor can help come up with a discontinuation plan.

Other Options

Parkinson's patients do have other medication options, though they're considered less effective than Syndopa CR. They may still provide benefit, however, and may be given along with Syndopa CR, including:

• Dopamine agonists
• Anticholinergic agents
• Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors
• Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors

The above should not be mixed with Syndopa CR or each other without doctor approval; they can interact, causing one or more to lose effectiveness or even causing serious complications.