What Is Crexont XR?

Crexont XR is a brand-name prescription medication that contains Carbidopa and Levodopa in extended-release capsules. It is made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals and was approved by the FDA on August 7, 2024.

Crexont XR is used to treat movement problems caused by Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents.

What Does Crexont XR Treat?

Crexont XR is FDA-approved for:

• Parkinson's disease — The most common use. It helps control symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
• Post-encephalitic parkinsonism — Parkinson-like symptoms that develop after a brain infection.
• Parkinsonism from toxin exposure — Symptoms caused by carbon monoxide or manganese poisoning.

To learn how the medication works in your brain, see our mechanism of action guide.

How Is Crexont XR Different From Other Carbidopa/Levodopa Medications?

What makes Crexont XR unique is its dual-bead formulation. Each capsule contains two types of beads:

• Immediate-release granules — These contain both Carbidopa and Levodopa and start working quickly after you take the capsule.
• Extended-release pellets — These contain Levodopa that is released slowly over time, providing a longer duration of effect.

This combination is designed to give you fast symptom relief that lasts longer between doses, reducing the "wearing off" that many Parkinson's patients experience with immediate-release Carbidopa/Levodopa (like Sinemet).

Available Strengths

Crexont XR comes in 8 strengths (Carbidopa/Levodopa):

• 23.75 mg / 95 mg
• 36.25 mg / 145 mg
• 48.75 mg / 195 mg
• 61.25 mg / 245 mg
• 35 mg / 140 mg
• 52.5 mg / 210 mg
• 70 mg / 280 mg
• 87.5 mg / 350 mg

Your doctor will choose the right strength based on your current treatment and how well your symptoms are controlled.

How to Take Crexont XR

Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Here are the general guidelines:

• Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not crush or chew the beads inside.
• Alternative method: You can open the capsule and sprinkle the beads on soft food like applesauce. Swallow the beads without chewing them.
• Typical dose: 3 capsules taken three to four times per day, as directed by your doctor.
• With or without food: You can take Crexont XR with or without meals, but avoid high-protein meals close to dosing. Protein can interfere with Levodopa absorption.
• No alcohol: Do not take Crexont XR with alcohol-containing beverages, as alcohol may change how the medication is released.

What to Avoid While Taking Crexont XR

• High-protein meals — Can reduce Levodopa absorption. Space protein intake away from your doses when possible.
• Iron supplements — Iron can decrease Levodopa absorption. Take iron supplements at least 2 hours apart from Crexont XR.
• Certain medications — Nonselective MAO inhibitors are contraindicated. See our drug interactions guide for a complete list.
• Sudden discontinuation — Never stop Crexont XR without your doctor's guidance.

Who Should Not Take Crexont XR?

Crexont XR is not right for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Are currently taking a nonselective MAO inhibitor (like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, or Tranylcypromine) or have taken one in the past 14 days.
• Have narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Have a known allergy to Carbidopa or Levodopa.

Side Effects Overview

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, and dyskinesia (involuntary movements). Serious side effects can include hallucinations, impulse control disorders, and sudden sleepiness. For a detailed breakdown, read our Crexont XR side effects guide.

Cost and Savings

Without insurance, Crexont XR costs approximately $540–$665 for a 30-day supply (120 capsules). There is no generic version available as of February 2026.

Amneal offers a Crexont Savings Program where eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $25 per fill. Uninsured patients may qualify for the Amneal Patient Support Services Program. Learn more in our Crexont XR savings guide.

Finding Crexont XR

Because Crexont XR is a new brand-name medication, it may not be available at all pharmacies. Use MedFinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock. If your pharmacy doesn't carry it, they can usually order it within a few business days.

For more about availability challenges, see why Crexont XR can be hard to find and the latest shortage update for 2026.

The Bottom Line

Crexont XR is a newer extended-release Carbidopa/Levodopa medication designed for Parkinson's disease patients who want faster onset and longer-lasting symptom control. It comes in multiple strengths, can be taken as capsules or sprinkled on food, and is available through savings programs to help manage the cost. Talk to your doctor — or find a prescriber near you — to see if Crexont XR is right for you.