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?

CMstanding 01/23/2013

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and thoughts. My Dr. has called in a prescription for the Sinemet and I will probably start on the drug this weekend. The botox shots did not help as much as I hoped they would and since I still work, I need to try to get rid of this pain.

Thanks to all of you, I am finally at peace (mostly) with this decision. But....if anyone else has another solution to try... I am still open to trying something else instead. lol However, my own research and attempts have not beem effective and it looks like the dopamine drug is what I need at this stage.

Wish me luck! I am hoping I adjust as well and as quickly as you all have. :)

peachybum 01/24/2013

Well interesting . Sinamet was my neuros first drug of choice , this is what I started on . Have been taking it for 7ish years . Works great ! Initially one pee day now 1 1/2 every 3 and 1/2 hours . That's 7 years on Sinemet . I'm okay , I work , I drive , I'm still in the pd closet , meaning no one knows ! Yay for me . Yay for Sinemet . I choose quality of life now , I don't get waiting , sometimes you can wait to long .

peachybum 01/24/2013

Ha ha for my typo, you will see it

Darls43 01/24/2013

Peachy,
What a riot!
It took 3 read throughs at 12,30 am but I got it.

Too funny ...first pashing now .....won't spoil the fun for the others!
Cheers
Datlene

debfromnj 01/26/2013

Thanks for sharing Peachy and all. It is good to hear from PDers with longer experience with drugs. I know my neuro told me she could keep me functioning for at least 5 years with the meds. So that means ok 5 years then everything goes kaput. But I do not think that is what she meant. I have read that sinemet affects people differently and that not everyone gets the uncontrolled movements associated with the side effects.

silfoxx2002 02/06/2013

HEY, DebfromNJ, I've been taking carbi/levodo 25/100 for 12 yrs now. Guess what? It still works for me the same as it did way back when! That "5 years" thingy, is just that, a thingy! Now, a thingy is a falehood spread by people who don't know diddly-squat what they are talking about! I consider you to be intelligent enough to not believe those tall tales. Having said that, you better get another neuro. One who knows about PD! Jim

silfoxx2002 02/06/2013

oh yeah deb .... one more thing. The only way you can go kaput after 5 yrs is to keep believing those 5 yr stories with your head in the sand. I apologize for being a little too harsh with you, but I just get so riled up when I hear someone I like repeat that "5 years lie"!

hisknobs 02/06/2013

CM. Don't worry. Carbo/ levodopa is a quality of life extender drug. It has allowed me to continue working. You belive that know one knows you have PD is probably wishful thinking. Everyone you work with who sees you tremoring has a perception that something is going on. For me people asked have you been drinking? or do you have to go to the bathroom? When I late on taking a dose I shake. When I came out of the PD closet and was upfront about telling everyone I sell to or do business with that I have Young Onset PD it is liberating. Therefore It is thru the sinemet that keeps me in controll of my symtoms. The benefits so far outway the side effects don't worry. Good health and good luck Alex

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