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.

What side effects may occur?

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.

• More common 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