Kava and Stalevo 200

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Ask your doctor before using levodopa together with kava. Using these medications together may cause levodopa to be less effective. If you are receiving treatment for Parkinson's disease you should preferably avoid kava, since it may worsen your condition. If kava is used, you should be alerted to the possibility of excessive sedation and monitored for a decreased response to levodopa. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with kava may diminish the therapeutic effects of levodopa and other dopamine agonists. In addition, the central nervous system depressant effects of these agents may be additively or synergistically increased when taken together. Kava reportedly possesses central antidopaminergic activity, thus it can antagonize the effects of some antiparkinson medications. Extrapyramidal adverse effects including dyskinesia and dystonic reactions have been reported in association with kava use. There has also been a case report of a patient receiving levodopa for Parkinson's disease whose frequency and duration of daily 'off' periods increased significantly within 10 days after she began taking a kava extract twice daily. She returned to her normal baseline pattern of 'on' and 'off' periods two days after discontinuing the kava.

MANAGEMENT: In general, patients should consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbal or alternative medicine. Patients receiving treatment for Parkinson's disease should preferably avoid kava, since it may worsen the condition. If kava is used, patients should be alerted to the possibility of excessive sedation and monitored for potentially diminished therapeutic response to their dopaminergic therapy.

Kava

Generic Name: kava

Brand name:

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Kava?

Stalevo 200

Generic Name: carbidopa / entacapone / levodopa

Brand name: Stalevo 100, Stalevo 125, Stalevo 150, Stalevo 200, Stalevo 50, Stalevo 75, Stalevo

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Stalevo 200?