Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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CMstanding 01/18/2013

My Neuro is suggesting I start Sinemet because of painful dystonia that I am experiencing in my neck and shoulder area. I have not decided if I am ready to go down this path yet, but need an ideal of what I may be facing with side effects when I first start the drug. He told me nausea is a very common effect in the beginning. He said he would start me on a low dose once a day, then up it gradually one more dose a day until I am taking 4 doses a day. I have a lot going on at work for the next month, so being sick to my stomach has me worried.

1.What was your experience with side effects when you started Sinemet?

2. Also - my HMO uses a generic brand of Sinemet instead of the name brand. Has anyone experienced problems with using generic Sinemet instead of the name brand?

deleted_user 01/18/2013

Nausea and dizzyness, and heachaches I've experiened but they go away quickly once you've become accustomed to the medication. You have to ramp up slowly with this dose because if you take too much you may feel very ill. This drug really helps my PD caused dystonia a lot, I can't do without it.

C

CMstanding 01/18/2013

How quickly did it go away, Canuk?

deleted_user 01/18/2013

My neuro had me increase the Sinemet by one tablet per day every 4 days and I had no problem with side effects. I have always taken generic and have had good results with it.

silfoxx2002 01/18/2013

CM,
Nausea IS a known side effect, but, you have to remembeer that all of us are different. Sure, some people become nauseous, most people DON'T. If you're doc is going to give you a slow titration schedule, it's for this reason. It will give your body a chance to "get used" to the drug.

Today, we are so fortunate. When it was firsy discovered, back in the 60's that levodopa had a profound effect on PD symptoms, patients didn't have the "luxury" of the carbidopa. Levodopa by itself isn't too pleasant on the human body. Thus, carbidopa was added as a buffering agent. Since then, Sinemet (generic: carbidopa/levodopa) has been the "drug of choice" to treat the many symptoms of PD.

Good luck CM!

deleted_user 01/19/2013

For me it only took a couple of days to get into the routine. You need to learn your own bodies reaction to the dose levels -and learn the subtle signs of over dosing. Its volatile medication, but very valuable once you learn to manage it.

C

deleted_user 01/19/2013

Hi CM. Here is my opinion for you. I think you will find a tremedous benefit with the addition of sinemet (generic is fine as well). Just ramp up slowly as your nuero suggests and you should be just fine. Don't be afraid of it or "over-think" it. The positives you will experience out weigh any small side effects that you may experience.

silfoxx2002 01/19/2013

CM. The very last sentence of DeserRrat54's reply is the total info you need! I totally agree .....
100% ! Jim

CMstanding 01/20/2013

Thanks everyone. Jerry, I had to laugh about the over think it comment. Me - over think it? What ever made you say that? OK - I may possibly have to admit that once in a great while I might just a tad bit be slightly almost guilty of looking like I could do that! lol

You are all giving me the courage I need. I really appreciate your sharing your experiences with me. It helps me fear less whats ahead.

PSullivan 01/20/2013

CM... I agree with all of the above.. i had nausea but only lasted a week or 2 ... when he increases it i get nauseous initially for a few days then it's gone. I have a lot of thoughts on it i will share with you in a message. Good luck sweetie... hugs paula

Lynnie200 01/20/2013

My husband didn't have any side affects, but make sure you start slowly so your body gets used to them gradually. Everytime you increase the meds in the future, you have to start the addition gradually too.. Your pharmacist should be able to help explain the procedure if you aren't sure.
. Also make sure you take an hour before you eat or don't have any protein if taking with food. The protein in your diet works against the strength of the medication.
The only problem my hubby has is remembering to take them sometimes. He takes them at 7 a.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. so you can see the problem when it isn't at meal time. Good luck.

deleted_user 01/20/2013

Hi sweetie-I am super sensitive to all meds,even over the counter and while I am sorry you need sinemet, let me share with you that it is the one med I have had the least reactions from!

Good luck,sweetie and let me know how it goes.

Zlata 01/21/2013

Hi Carol , i may be coming in to his discussion little late. Most of the effects have bean explained. I think you vill not have the site effects
because your Dr is starting you slow. My neuro. started me on1 tab
4x a day +Mirapex , so it made me quiet nauseous ,it took about 4 weeks to stop. But I also have to say I always had week stomach.
also had a lot rocking motion. Sway from site to site. I lost 60 pounds ,at the time. Could not eat anything. Had a pain in my L arm and did not swing it when walking. soon as I started on Sinamet the pain went
away and my arm started tossing.So you should weight the pros and cons and decite what u willing to put up with and haw do you want to feel. Zlatica

debfromnj 01/22/2013

Hi CM, I agree with everything. I started with Azilect and then generic sinemet was added. When I started on sinemet my dr. started me with 1/2 a pill every 3 days and gradually over an 18 day period increased it to 3 pills no nausea at all. Headaches a little bit in the beginning. No side effects as yet. Although sometimes I get very sleepy but not overwhelming and only when I am sitting for a period of time. I think you will be amazed at how much the sinemet helps the symptoms. I know I was!!! Good luck - keep us posted.

deleted_user 01/23/2013

If Sinemet wasn't availble I'd be on disability right now, with 12 tabs a day I can work a full day and earn my keep. We are all living testaments to pharmaceutical science, believe me.

C

debfromnj 01/23/2013

I definitely agree with you Canuk - if it wasn't for sinemet I would not be working right now. I would be on disability and suffering with pain and lack of movement, depression, on and on. My mom has dementia and I prepare her meds and give them to her and each time she whines and balks because she has to take her meds. I tell her every day (she forgets) meds are a good thing!!!!! I remind her I wouldn't be able to help her or continue to work w/o meds.

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