Not used on its own, entacapone works with carbidopa and levodopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Some of the symptoms it treats are stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control.

Entacapone needs to work in tandem with carbidopa and levodopa at the right dose, so be sure to follow your doctor and prescription label’s directions.

You can either take the medication with or without food. Food is recommended to help prevent any risk of nausea. But no matter your preference for food intake, you should still drink lots of liquids while on this medication.

After taking your dose, store the remaining medication away in an area at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

This medication may make you fall asleep without warning during your regular daytime activities. This drowsiness can happen even when you’re alert, so try to avoid activities that require alertness like driving. And call your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing this situation.

Side effects for entacapone include drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth.

Call your doctor right away if you notice serious symptoms such as: agitation, unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, stiff muscles, high fever, tremors, severe or ongoing diarrhea, restless muscle movements, or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

To lower your risk for some of these side effects, try to avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol can increase the likelihood of entacapone side effects.