Brand name:
Tasmar
Pronounced: TAZ-mahr
Generic name:
Tolcapone
Why is Tasmar prescribed?
Tasmar helps to relieve the muscle stiffness, tremor, and
weakness caused by Parkinson's disease. When taken with Sinemet
(levodopa/carbidopa), it sustains the blood levels of dopamine
needed for normal muscle function. Because Tasmar has been known to
cause liver failure, it is prescribed only when other Parkinson's
drugs fail to control the symptoms.
Like all Parkinson's medications, Tasmar can provide long-term
relief of symptoms, but won't cure the underlying disease. If your
symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of Tasmar therapy, your doctor
will discontinue the drug.
Most important fact about Tasmar
During the first few weeks of Tasmar treatment, be prepared for
certain side effects that appear most frequently at the start of
therapy. Among the possibilities: attacks of dizziness or fainting
when you first stand up, hallucinations, nausea, and increased
stiffness. These problems tend to diminish with the passage of time
or a reduction in your Sinemet dosage. However, they have forced a
few people to discontinue Tasmar therapy.
How should you take Tasmar?
Tasmar works by boosting the efficacy of Sinemet, and will not
work without it. It can be taken with either the immediate-release
or controlled-release form of the drug (Sinemet or Sinemet CR). You
may take it with or without food.
This drug is taken 3 times a day. Always take the first dose of
Tasmar with your first dose of Sinemet. Take your second and third
doses of Tasmar 6 and 12 hours later. (Your doctor will probably
decrease your dose of Sinemet when you start taking Tasmar.)
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.
Tasmar side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tasmar.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,
abnormal muscle movements,
acid indigestion,
breathing difficulty,
chest pain,
confusion,
constipation,
decreased muscle movement,
diarrhea,
dizziness,
drowsiness,
dry mouth,
excessive dreaming,
falling,
fatigue,
fainting,
flu,
gas,
hallucination,
headache,
increased muscle movement,
loss of appetite,
loss of balance,
muscle cramps,
muscle stiffness,
nausea,
skin tingling,
sleep disturbances,
sweating,
tiredness,
upper respiratory tract infection,
urinary tract infection,
urine discoloration,
vomiting
Why should Tasmar not be prescribed?
You must not take Tasmar if you have liver disease or have
developed liver problems while using Tasmar. You should also
avoid Tasmar if it causes an allergic reaction, or gives you a high
temperature, stiff muscles, or a feeling of confusion.
Special warnings about Tasmar
Because of Tasmar's possible effects on the liver, your doctor
should do a blood test to check your liver function before you start
Tasmar therapy, then every 2 weeks for the first year, every 4 weeks
for the next 6 months, and every 8 weeks thereafter. In addition, be
alert for any sign of developing liver damage, such as clay-colored
stools, yellowing of your skin and eyes, fatigue, itching, loss of
appetite, nausea, dark urine, and pain in the upper right abdomen.
Report any such problems to your doctor immediately.
Especially at the start of therapy, Tasmar can cause severe low
blood pressure, marked by nausea, sweating, dizziness, or fainting.
To avoid these symptoms, get up very slowly from a seated or
reclining position.
Hallucinations are most likely to occur within the first 2 weeks
of therapy. If this problem surfaces, report it to your doctor
immediately.
Diarrhea, occasionally severe, is also a possibility, typically
after 6 to 12 weeks of therapy. If this becomes a problem, let your
doctor know. Also be quick to inform your doctor if you develop a
high fever, muscle rigidity, or altered consciousness.
Because Tasmar has been known to cause drowsiness and affect
mental and motor skills, you should avoid operating machinery or
driving until you know how the drug affects you.
Tasmar can cause nausea, especially at the start of therapy, and
sometimes increases muscle stiffness. Your Parkinson's symptoms may
also increase, along with fever and confusion, when the drug is
discontinued. Your doctor will adjust your other medications
carefully if Tasmar needs to be stopped.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tasmar
If Tasmar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Tasmar with the
following:
Apomorphine
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Isoproterenol (Isuprel)
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and
Parnate
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Nervous system depressants such as alcohol and the sedatives
phenobarbital and Seconal
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The safety of Tasmar during pregnancy has not been confirmed. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. You should continue taking the drug only if the
benefits clearly outweigh the risk.
It is not known whether Tasmar appears in breast milk. Notify
your doctor if you plan to breastfeed.
Recommended dosage for Tasmar
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Tasmar overdose may include:
Dizziness,
nausea,
vomiting
|
