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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sensitive to Sinemet ER generic

Frusss
Frusss
The movement disorder specialist is trying to slowly titrate the dose. I'm struggling to get used to a half of a 25/100 tablet twice a day WITH protein. I've been on this dose for 2 weeks now and still not used to it!! Anyone else experience this and if so did you eventually adjust?
SandHarbor3
SandHarbor3
Hi, Fruss. You say that you are "struggling to get used to" one-half tablet of the carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 ER and that you are "still not used to it." What is it that's troubling you with the medication and/or dosage? Seeing how you emphasized "WITH," I assume that you are aware that protein reduces the potency of the carb/levo and, moreover, that this is your intent.

From this I gather that you may be experiencing nausea, dizziness, drunkenness, and such as side effects of the drug. Is there a reason why your physician put you on the extended-release form of carbidopa/levodopa 25/100? It may be too much for your body at this point in time. Perhaps carb/levo 25/100 CR (sustained-release) or even a regular carb/levo 25/100 of "normal" duration would suit you better or, going even further, perhaps you may want to hold off on taking this drug until your PD has progressed further and take other PD meds for your symptoms at this stage of the disease.

I'm not a physician, so I won't advise you what to do. I can only speak from my experiences as my mother's caregiver for years and how we had to experiment a bit with drugs and dosages over the years, especially during the first five years when there were more fluctuations in symptoms and well-being.

My suggestion is to take as little carb/levo as possible that's needed to keep you feeling and functioning well -- or as well as possible -- and increase your dosage only when your body requires more.

I wish you well with finding what works best for you.
Frusss
Frusss
The side effect I have with the medication is depression. The doctor tried me on the immediate release formula and thought maybe it was hitting my system too hard all at once so she suggested the extended release might be easier on my system as it is released more gradually. I will try to be patient. I appreciate all of your feedback!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been on carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 for a little over a year now. My doctor had me take a half dose for about a week before the full dose. I was very sick at first until I learned to take my meds with a piece of bread or some crackers (no protein) and then wait an hour before I had a main meal which included protein. I believe the drug protein combo is what caused my problem and have had no problems since I started this routine. Good luck.
Frusss
Frusss
Roseanne, Thank you for your feedback!

~Frusss~