Sinemet is highly recommended in the early treatment of PD. The downside comes after taking the drug for a number of years. The dosage become less effective and you experience the "on/off phenomenon" more. Another side effect of long term usage is dyskinesia. After being on Sinemet for six years, I feel that it is less effective and I now experience mild dyskinesia.

My doctor kept me on Mirapex as long as possible to put off me taking Sinemet. I was only 54 when I started taking PD drugs and there are long term issues with Sinemet. I was able to go 2 years without taking Sinemet so he said that would help me in the future.

Peachy, it's probably because of my mom's age when she was diagnosed, but she was put on Sinemet immediately. I don't live with her but we have remarked lately how she does seem to have up and down times. It's only been a year and a half for her though. Good luck if you start the meds, sending good vibes to you.

My husband also was started on Sinemet right from the start.After 12 years the sinemet does not help as much and he also has dyskensia really bad. They have tried other meds in the hopes of decreasing the sinemet. So far he does not tolerate some of them very well. I think if we had been more informed we would have asked the doctors more quesetions. I have found that you must be very, very active in all aspects of the meds and side effects.

Peachy,
I started with sinemet right from the start, however 16 years later I learn that there are different dosages and diferent ways to take the med to make you feel most comfortable. I take sinemet 25/100 and sinemet cr 50/200, the trick for me is to cut the 50/200 in half so that I don't get to much dyskenia. I find that you need to understand and listen to your body and be your own doctor to make this work.

My husband has been on Sinemet (time release) but is on Comtan as a "helper" drug. Taking a med for anxiety also seem to reduce his tremor, as does regular excercise. He did have bi-lateral DBS surgeries which was a big decision but he was only 49 when diagnosed. One is not functioning well...but we are working on a solution with a great local neurosurgeon. Hope you find this helpful.

Peachy, are they talking about taking Sinemet by itself or in combination with another drug?

I dont know what part of aussie you are, we are in the south eastern john has was put on MADOPAR and most of the people at our support group are taking it also from the kingston centre i thought sinemet was an overseas drugs because i only heard about it on this site if it is for early stages i am wondering why john was put on madopar from the begining i dont see any change what so ever in him have told them at several appointments and all they do is increase the dosage i know at kingston they have a great reputation for pd but maybe ill have to see someone else to find out.

Hi, I've been on sinemet from the age of 18, i am now 33 and they are now trying me on new medication. they left me on this for this long as i wanted a family and as far as they knew taking sinemet should not harm the baby, i have since had three children and they are all healthy. The only side effect is the involuntary movements which do get worse the longer you are on this medication. But this medication has worked really well for me and as let me live my life as normal.
Hope this helps. Kay