FAQs

Hair loss and weight gain were not reported as side effects of Comtan in clinical trials. However, weight loss might occur as a consequence of diarrhea, a common side effect of the medication, and weight gain may occur if patients develop an intense urge to binge eat. Patients should talk…

Comtan was seen to prolong the clinical effect of each levodopa dose as soon as after its first administration. In clinical studies, Comtan led to increases in daily on time as early as after two weeks, and those benefits became significantly greater than with a placebo after about eight weeks.

When using Comtan, people might feel very sleepy or unexpectedly fall asleep while doing their normal daily activities. To stay safe, patients should avoid driving or other tasks that may be potentially dangerous if they fall asleep until they know how the medication affects them. If they experience these side…

The safety of Comtan use during pregnancy is still unclear. Although animal studies suggest potential harm to a growing fetus, there is a shortage of clinical information examining its impact on pregnant human patients. If individuals with Parkinson’s intend to become pregnant while taking Comtan, they should consult with their…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Comtan in December 1999 as an add-on treatment to levodopa and carbidopa in Parkinson’s patients experiencing off episodes, or periods of time when medication wears off and disease symptoms return between doses.

Since diagnosing Parkinson’s requires testing for disease-typical symptoms and ruling out other possible causes for symptoms, confirming Parkinson’s usually takes some time. Studies suggest most people are diagnosed within the first six months after seeking medical attention for Parkinson’s-like symptoms, but it’s not uncommon to go up…

To confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a patient must have bradykinesia (slowed movement) and at least one other motor symptom, such as tremor, rigidity, or problems with balance. The diagnosis can be made once these symptoms are established and other potential causes have been…

Typically a person will be evaluated for Parkinson’s disease if they are having symptoms that indicate the disorder, such as slowed movements, tremor, and/or rigidity.

Parkinson’s disease is typically diagnosed by a neurologist, who specializes in disorders that affect the brain and nervous system.

No test can confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Instead, a Parkinson’s diagnosis is established by a clinician examining a patient’s symptoms, especially his motor symptoms. Tests to look for common signs of Parkinson’s and to rule out other explanations for them aren’t required, but can help support a…