Tasmar

Why should Tasmar not be prescribed?

You must not take Tasmar if you have liver disease or have developed liver problems while using this drug. 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)