Every medication for Parkinson's disease (PD) may cause side effects. Some side effects are easily tolerated, and some are severe and difficult to endure. Every individual reacts differently to medication. And every side effect of a medication must be weighed against the benefit you gain from that medication.

Speak to your health care professional (HCP) if you experience any side effects. He or she may be able to help you better manage them should they occur.

By introducing your medication for PD at a low dose and slowly increasing it, your HCP may be able to find the dose that provides optimal symptom control and minimal side effects. At the same time, your HCP may gradually increase your dose so that your body can slowly adjust to the medication.

Some side effects are the result of taking too high a dose of your medication for Parkinson's disease. Dyskinesia is a good example. When levels of levodopa are too high, some people with PD experience involuntary muscle movements or jerky motions. Simply reducing the dose of levodopa may eliminate the dyskinesia while maintaining an effective level of control over the symptoms of PD. Consult your HCP before making any change to your medication regimen.

Always inform your HCP as soon as you suspect a side effect. Sometimes a side effect is caused by one medication for Parkinson's disease but not another. If you change to another medication, follow your HCP's directions precisely.

Don't make changes to your medication dosing or schedule without consulting your HCP. He or she may be able to tell you whether or not a side effect is related to a medication at all. Also, some side effects can be eliminated with the simple addition of another medication to manage the side effect.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088