What is Tasmar?
Generic names: tasimelteon
Brand names: Hetlioz
Tasmar (generic name: tolcapone) is a catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. COMT is an enzyme that degrades catecholamines, including dopamine. Inhibition of COMT results in increased levels of dopamine in the brain.
Tasmar is usually used in combination with levodopa/carbidopa, another medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Tasmar can help to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but it is not a cure for the condition.
Health Benefits
Tasmar has been shown to be effective in improving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In clinical studies, Tasmar has been shown to:
– Improve motor function
– Reduce “off” time (periods when the medication is not working as well and the patient experiences worsening symptoms)
– Reduce dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
Tasmar may also improve quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease. In one study, patients who took Tasmar reported improvements in activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, eating, and using the toilet. They also reported improvements in mood and cognitive function.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Tasmar include:
– Nausea
– Dizziness
– Diarrhea
– Headache
– fatigue
Tasmar can also cause involuntary movements (dyskinesia), particularly when it is first started or the dose is increased. These movements usually disappear with time or with a reduction in dose.
Less common side effects of Tasmar include:
– Depression
– Hallucinations
– Confusion
Rare side effects of Tasmar include: – Liver damage – Blood disorders – Allergic reactions If you experience any of these serious side effects, stop taking Tasmar and contact your doctor immediately.
Dosage
The usual starting dose of Tasmar is 25 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose by 25 mg every two weeks, up to a maximum dose of 200 mg per day.
Tasmar should be taken at bedtime. It can be taken with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Tasmar, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of Tasmar at the same time.
Interactions
Tasmar can interact with a number of other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some of the most common medications that Tasmar interacts with include:
– Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
– Anticholinergics
– Antidepressants
– Antiemetics
– Narcotics
– Sedatives
Tasmar can also interact with a number of other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
If you are taking Tasmar, do not take any other medications without first talking to your doctor.
Pharmacokinetics
Tasmar is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak levels in the blood within 1-2 hours. The half-life of Tasmar is about 2 hours.
Tasmar is metabolized in the liver by the enzyme CYP3A4. As a result, drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme can affect the levels of Tasmar in the blood.
Tasmar is eliminated from the body primarily through the urine.
Alternatives to Tasmar
There are a number of other medications that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease, including:
– Levodopa/carbidopa
– Dopamine agonists
– MAOIs
– Anticholinergics
Your doctor can help you choose the best medication for your individual needs.
