Methyldopa is one of the most popular drugs used for weight loss and other health benefits. Methyldopa is also known as methylcellulose or methenamine. It’s active ingredient is methylcellulose, which is a type of cellulose polymer found naturally in plants such as trees, grasses, roots and vines. Methyldopasone (also called methotrexate) is another form of this drug.
What is Methyldopa?
Methyldopa is a drug that helps with various symptoms associated with diabetes, including high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Methylcellulose can reduce inflammation in the body, improve circulation and promote healthy bone growth. It can also prevent heart disease. Methyldopasone (methotrexate) blocks the effects of T cells, which are immune system cells that attack cancerous cells and viruses.
How Does Methyldopa Work?
The drug works by increasing the amount of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells fight off infections and other harmful substances. When there are too many white blood cells, they produce antibodies against foreign invaders. These antibodies can cause problems if left unchecked, so it is good to have some number of them around. The more white blood cells there are, the better protection you will get from infection and other dangers.
Methyldopa works by increasing the amount of white blood cells in your body. This helps protect your body against disease and infection because you have an increased number of antibodies.
Is Methyldopa Safe?
Methyldopa can be used safely in the short term, but its long-term safety has not been determined. It is known to cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain and muscle pain. It can also lead to high blood pressure, increased liver enzymes and kidney problems. In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions. If you have a history of:
Allergies
Cancer
Liver or kidney problems
Pneumonia or other respiratory diseases
You should not take this medicine. It is also not suitable for certain types of virus or fungal infections.
Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or if you have;
Diabetes
Irregular heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Parkinson’s disease
Low white blood cell count
Decreased liver function
Kidney problems
Lupus and other autoimmune diseases
Tuberculosis or any other type of infection.
Taking this medicine while you’re pregnant can cause harm to your baby. It is not known if the drug passes into your milk. You should talk to your doctor before taking Methyldopa if you are breastfeeding.
What Are the Side Effects of Methyldopa?
Some common side effects of this drug include;
Headache, Dizziness, Stomach pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Muscle pain, Constipation or diarrhea, Weakness and Fatigue.
Less common but more serious side effects include:
Fever, Itching, Hives, Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, Difficulty breathing, Severe rash or Jaundice.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
If you experience any severe symptoms seek medical attention immediately.
How Do I Take Methyldopa?
The dosage and length of treatment will vary from person to person and is dependant on a range of factors, including the severity of your symptoms and other health issues. It is important that you take this medicine exactly as your doctor has instructed. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Methyldopa if you are also taking any other medication or have any ongoing health problems.
The typical starting dosage is between 250 and 500 milligrams taken two to three times per day. This may be increased by your doctor depending on how you react to the medication. The maximum safe dosage is 2.2 grams per day.
Methyldopa should be taken with food or within an hour after a meal to avoid an upset stomach. The capsules should be swallowed whole and never chewed or crushed.
Most people will notice an improvement in their symptoms after a few weeks of treatment. Methyldopa can be detected in your system for up to 48 hours after ingestion so you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking this medication and for a short time after stopping the medication.
This medication can have a slight depressant effect, so you should not drink alcohol while taking it.
Methyldopa can be detected in urine for up to 48 hours after ingestion, so you should take care if being tested for any potentially job-related drug screens.
How Long Do I Take Methyldopa For?
Once your symptoms improve and you and your doctor determine it is safe, you may be able to stop taking Methyldopa and your therapist will work with you to slowly manage any after effects. In some cases, you may need to take the medication for a longer period of time or possibly even on a maintenance basis.
What If I Take Too Much Methyldopa?
An overdose of Methyldopa is not likely to be fatal. The most common symptoms are listed above. In the event of an overdose you should seek medical attention and take a urine sample as directed by a doctor.
What If I Stop Taking Methyldopa Suddenly?
You should never stop taking this medicine suddenly. Always consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medicine.
What If I Take an Overdose?
In the event of an overdose, you should seek immediate medical attention and take a urine sample as directed by a doctor.
Things You Can Do to Help Yourself
Mental Relaxation
When the stress gets to you, it is important to be in a calm environment and take some time for yourself. Listen to music, read a book, or just spend time by yourself in a quiet place.
Exercise
There is plenty of research that shows that exercise helps with anxiety issues. If you are able, go for a walk or jog every day. Even just a simple daily walk can help your overall mental health.
Eat Healthily
Eating a balanced diet can really work wonders for your mental well-being. Foods that are rich in B-vitamins, such as bananas, are great for relieving stress and promoting a positive outlook.
Get Outside
Spending time in nature has been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve overall mood. If you have access to a garden, go sit in it.
Sources & references used in this article:
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Pharmacokinetics of the pivaloyloxyethyl (POE) ester of methyldopa, a new prodrug of methyldopa by MR Dobrinska, W Kukovetz, E Beubler… – … of pharmacokinetics and …, 1982 – Springer
Comparative bioavailability study of two preparations of alpha-methyldopa after single, oral doses. by K Rona, B Gachalyi, L Vereczkey, B Nadas… – International journal of …, 1987 – europepmc.org
Pharmacokinetics and presystemic gut metabolism of methyldopa in healthy human subjects by A Skerjanec, NRC Campbell… – The Journal of …, 1995 – Wiley Online Library
Comparison of magnesium and methyldopa for the control of blood pressure in pregnancies complicated with hypertension by M Rudnicki, A Frølich, K Pilsgaard, L Nyrnberg… – Gynecologic and …, 2000 – karger.com
Oral enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide-methyldopa as first line treatment for severe hypertension in Nigerians by OO Ofor – Tropical doctor, 2004 – journals.sagepub.com
