What is Tasmar: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Apr 11, 2021

Tasmar overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tasmar, tolcapone

Generic Names:

  • Tolcapone

Uses:

  • Is given with levodopa/carbidopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiparkinsonian

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Tasmar used for?

Tasmar comes in tablet form and is used in combination with carbidopa and levodopa to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including tremors, muscle spasms and poor muscle control. Tasmar works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the body which helps to reduce these symptoms. Do not use Tasmar if you have liver disease. Common side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, sleep problems and increased dreaming.

What form(s) does Tasmar come in

  • Tablet

What are common Tasmar doses?

  • Tablet 100MG

Common Tasmar prescriptions

  • Tasmar
    100mg tablet

How to take Tasmar

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. This medicine is given with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet®), because it helps levodopa work in your body for a longer amount of time. Use all of your medicines exactly as your doctor ordered.

  • You may take tolcapone with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tasmar

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.

Tasmar contraindications

  • You should not use use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tolcapone.

Tasmar warnings

  • You will need to have your blood tested regularly while using tolcapone to make sure it is not causing harmful side effects. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.

  • This medicine may cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that does not exist). If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

  • Tolcapone may make you dizzy or sleepy, especially when you first start using the medicine. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

  • Dizziness may be worse if you get up too fast after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position may help.

  • Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.

  • Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

  • Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

Tasmar interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines that could make you drowsy such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, some cold and allergy medicines, narcotic pain-killers, or medicines that relax your muscles.

  • Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. You may get too drowsy or sedated if you drink alcohol or use medicines that cause drowsiness with tolcapone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are using Coumadin® (warfarin) or desipramine (Norpramin®).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine to treat depression called an MAO inhibitor. Marplan® (isocarboxazid), Nardil® (phenelzine), and Parnate® (tranylcypromine) are MAO inhibitors.

  • This medicine may cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that does not exist). If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

  • Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

  • You will need to have your blood tested regularly while using tolcapone to make sure it is not causing harmful side effects. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.

Tasmar side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Increased loss of muscle control

  • Fainting

  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes

  • Severe or bloody diarrhea

  • Nausea, upset stomach

  • Changes in the color of your urine

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Changes in the color of your urine

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Hallucinations, confusion, increased dreaming

  • Nausea, upset stomach

  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or tired

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