AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Question currently taking the prescription as follows
coumandin, ms contin, toprol xl, msir, phenergan,xanax, zoloft, darvocet, combivent and zofran.
New prescription is carbidopa (Sinemet)
Do I have a drug interaction problem?
Answer There are a couple possible drug interactions which could occur when adding Sinemet to the medications you are already taking. First, Sinemet can cause a change in blood pressure control. Even if you are not taking Toprol XL for blood pressure, since it can cause an increase in blood pressure lowering which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly. It is recommended that you blood pressure be monitored frequently when adding Sinemet.
The second possible drug interaction involves Phenergan. Taking Sinemet along with Phenergan can cause a lessened therapeutic effect from the levodopa in Sinemet, which will result in an overall lessened therapeutic effect.
The third possible problem you may experience is an additive effect of the drowsiness from the MS Contin, MS IR, Phenergan, Xanax, Zoloft, Darvocet, and Zofran. Any one of these drugs alone may cause drowsiness. When you add yet another drug which can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness it just makes the possibility that much greater.
You should discuss these issues with your doctor(s) to make sure they are reminded of all the medications you are taking and are monitoring appropriately.
