Side effect of Sinemet

[Drew Saunders]

I was not aware until my doctor told me that sinemet lowers your blood pressure. Most anti-depressants also lower your blood pressure so if your are on both these meds and go dizzy when you stand or feel faint have your blood pressure checked then alter your meds accordingly as long of course that it does not make other symptoms worse.
I have found that getting the right balance of meds is a bit of a mine field but perseverence pays off. I take sinemet, Azilect and Diazapam.
One more thing. Diazapam (I think I have spelt it right) although primarily an anti anxiety/panic attack medication it it also a muscle relaxent but be careful as it is habit forming. There again so is sinemet! My doctor, Adrian Parkinson, is very forthcoming with information unlike a lot of medical staff.
Do ask your consultant/doctor to explain things to you especially the side effects of drugs. You have a right to know.
OK that's enough waffling from me. I'm off to the railway
Have as good day as you can:):):)
Drew

[heather]

I was not aware until my doctor told me that sinemet lowers your blood pressure. Most anti-depressants also lower your blood pressure so if your are on both these meds and go dizzy when you stand or feel faint have your blood pressure checked then alter your meds accordingly as long of course that it does not make other symptoms worse.
I have found that getting the right balance of meds is a bit of a mine field but perseverence pays off. I take sinemet, Azilect and Diazapam.
One more thing. Diazapam (I think I have spelt it right) although primarily an anti anxiety/panic attack medication it it also a muscle relaxent but be careful as it is habit forming. There again so is sinemet! My doctor, Adrian Parkinson, is very forthcoming with information unlike a lot of medical staff.
Do ask your consultant/doctor to explain things to you especially the side effects of drugs. You have a right to know.
OK that's enough waffling from me. I'm off to the railway
Have as good day as you can:):):)
Drew

Hi Drew
a very clever doctor once said to me ,when i was looking after a poorly patient
does it matter if something is addictive/habit forming,if it gives a better quality to life, so if Diazapam, works ,then it won't be broken, so you won't have to mend it

[Drew Saunders]

Fair point Heather, I just did not want anybody being prescribed diazapam and thinking they can take them like sweeties. Medical folk don't always tell you the full story and if you know the possible pitfalls then you can make an intelligent decision on what you want to do.

Changing the subject I need a spell check on this site as my keyboard has developed that well know software problem - misspelling! By the time it takes to re-read what I have typed I could have written a novel!

You two have a good day tomorrow:):):)

[heather]

Fair point Heather, I just did not want anybody being prescribed diazapam and thinking they can take them like sweeties. Medical folk don't always tell you the full story and if you know the possible pitfalls then you can make an intelligent decision on what you want to do.

Changing the subject I need a spell check on this site as my keyboard has developed that well know software problem - misspelling! By the time it takes to re-read what I have typed I could have written a novel!

You two have a good day tomorrow:):):)
Hi Drew
hope you are well and had a good time on the trains
I understand what you are saying, I just though your post was so good , i have learnt so much from that post, i didn't think of it as as muscle relaxant for PD , we use it for anxiety,and depression ,but of course it relaxes you

I use ie-spell it come up in with red line under the spelling mistake,right click gives the correct spelling
The problem i have is my space bar is broken ,have put chewing gum :eek:to hold it in place, but i some times have
three or more word with out a space .so have to go back and space them one by one
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/maesisaf/gnojum2.gif

P.s
have worked out why no one can see my pictures
have done a post in [hobbies] computer 3/4 way down the page

[heather]

I was not aware until my doctor told me that sinemet lowers your blood pressure. Most anti-depressants also lower your blood pressure so if your are on both these meds and go dizzy when you stand or feel faint have your blood pressure checked then alter your meds accordingly as long of course that it does not make other symptoms worse.
I have found that getting the right balance of meds is a bit of a mine field but perseverence pays off. I take sinemet, Azilect and Diazapam.
One more thing. Diazapam (I think I have spelt it right) although primarily an anti anxiety/panic attack medication it it also a muscle relaxent but be careful as it is habit forming. There again so is sinemet! My doctor, Adrian Parkinson, is very forthcoming with information unlike a lot of medical staff.
Do ask your consultant/doctor to explain things to you especially the side effects of drugs. You have a right to know.
OK that's enough waffling from me. I'm off to the railway
Have as good day as you can:):):)
Drew

Hi Drew /or anyone else
Because Jim is getting so rigid and difficult to lift his arms ,and bend his knees to dress him,and to sit in his wheelchair, I asked his doctor about a muscle relaxant, and he suggested Diazipam , but the side affects is that it could make him sleepy, [he sleeps a lot any way but this could be through boredom] and for me to think about it over the weekend.
I was thinking of giving it a weeks trial, if it meant
i could move him better, so get him out more, then maybe he wouldn't sleep so much,i feel it's a catch 22 and I'm no 11
what is your opinion

[Drew Saunders]

Hi Drew /or anyone else
Because Jim is getting so rigid and difficult to lift his arms ,and bend his knees to dress him,and to sit in his wheelchair, I asked his doctor about a muscle relaxant, and he suggested Diazipam , but the side affects is that it could make him sleepy, [he sleeps a lot any way but this could be through boredom] and for me to think about it over the weekend.
I was thinking of giving it a weeks trial, if it meant
i could move him better, so get him out more, then maybe he wouldn't sleep so much,i feel it's a catch 22 and I'm no 11
what is your opinion

Hi Heather
I'm no expert but taking him out might stop him being bored with looking at 4 walls..The fresh air may also help him stay awake and stimulate him because of different surroundings. Diazapam does not make me sleepy but of course as you know we are all different, Good luck
Drew

[heather]

hi Drew
thank you for your reply
At the moment he is on bed rest, due to a broken pressure area, i have bought him a converted van ready , he has been out twice in it, mainly because of the bad weather,we have had rain for the last 2 days hasn't stopped today :mad:, I tried getting him in the garden last week, but he had a problem sitting in his wheelchair, as is hip's and knees,difficult to move

this was our first day out in the van

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/maesisaf/654b1955.jpg
as you can see it's a windy day, hence the beautiful hair :D:D

[suzie Q]

Hi Heather

Hope Jim has a better day today and the weather improves for him to be able to get out of the house for a while.A change of scenery even if it is in your backyard will be good for him .


Sue

[tinkerbell]

hi heather,

hope you both enjoyed your day out

tinkerbell

[heather]

Hi Heather

Hope Jim has a better day today and the weather improves for him to be able to get out of the house for a while.A change of scenery even if it is in your backyard will be good for him .


Sue

hi Sue thank you,
things are getting a little better
these things are sent to try us
I do find sometimes it does us good, Jim was getting quiet comfortable in bed , and by been able to vent on hear,it has made me look at things diffrently, so to day i have had my cruel to be kind head on ;);)

I didn't ask, as i no he would have said no, i put him in his reclining chair, and went up stairs for1 hour and did the bed rooms,kept creeping downstairs ,to check on him and he was
watching the TV, so i think he is bored, and by winding me up
he is having some attention,and i don't mean that in a awful way

[heather]

hi heather,

hope you both enjoyed your day out

tinkerbell

hi tinkerbell
didn't get out, it rained all day,today is dry but very cold :(:(

[grldnklly]

Hi Heather,
My father is always very sleepy. Recently he was put on diazepan because of problems with his neck. It didn't make him sleep any more than normal. I would tend to agree with you, I think that my father sleeps a lot of the time out of boredom (it passes the day for him). I also think that there are times too when he does the things just to wind me up too! I find he becomes more dependent when it's coming up to the time I am going away. I don't know whether it's the stress of the thought of me not being there, or whether it's a way of reminding me that I will be misse.
Ah well, we'll never know for sure! But don't we love them anyway!
God bless
Geraldine

[heather]

Hi Geraldine
thank you for your reply

I just think we have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain, if it only means i can move his limbs better
because Jim has problems with his neck as well ,[it's almost fused] i now can't shake it to say yes or No, which is making life difficult
fingers crossed, i should no tomorrow, as his doctor was out on calls, so i have left him a message saying yes

[heatherwilmot]

Just read this through - "HEALTH WARNING" I go on a bit, sorry.
Good Morning to all. Cold, spitting rain and windy in my corner of Wales. My Husband/Carer (best friend) has been dealing with the washing whilst I read the mail on Medication and Treatments. Fascinating.
On reading Lianne's book (only part of to-date) i realised no-one had suggested or advised me when to take my tablets, and whether to take all meds at the same time etc. i was just told, take 3 times a day. I take Sinimet and ropinirole (Requip), I have just started taking sinimet an hour before any food, and on its own, with the requip an hour later, plus angina meds. i can't believe how much better I have felt.
Several of you mentioned 'good Neurologist', well the ONE we have in this area, which covers Shrophire and Powys, is not well so is working part-time, we have been using locuums and have a very good PDS Nurse, but naturally the 'service' leaves a little to be desired.
I saw the Neurologist in March 2002 when I was diagnosed and have not seen him since. I have seen the PDS Nurse once every 6 months, and on occasion - 3 monthly when I was having a hard time regulating my meds.
My doctor is excellent, but admits he does not know very much about Mr Parky, has read up on the subject and tries very hard to look after me.
Diazapan: was given some to enable me to go to the Dentist! I am claustrophobic and can't breathe when I am in a dentist chair. I agree used correctly, when needed, but not all the time, it is very helpful, I do get very relaxed!!.
Reading the questions and answers in Liannes book has been a great help, although obviously there is a difference between American medicine and British medicine, we are all people and all the info is helpful when sifted through.
Went on the 'humour' page, and had a laugh on this miserable Sunday morning. The first sentence reminded me of a friend (sadly deceased) called Ethel, and another, male friend, who used to come in saying "don't look Ethel, whoops too late", it never failed to make her smile. I feel we don't have to 'look' if we feel we may be offended. thus leaving the rest of us something to smile at.
I do hope those who are feeling sad and scared will find something to cheer them up just a little. It is hard to find the right words of comfort, yes I think I do know how you feel, although I tend to get angry at not being able to do something rather than depressed, if anyone says to me "well there are people ...so and so for instance... who is worse off than you" they are lucky to escape without a rude comment. Of course I am sorry for anyone who has any problems, health or otherwise, but it does not make me feel any better..
Maybe June will be a better month. People will be thinking of you, so take care. Heather(the prill)

[tinkerbell]

hi this is how i work out my meds

hi,

i find if i spread my meds throughout the day it helps.

i take 1 azilect, 1 requip, 1 sinemet plus and a blood pressure at 8am

11am- 1 requip

12.30- 1 sinemet plus

2pm- 2 requip

5pm- 1 sinemet plus and 1 requip

7.30pm- 1 requip

i find if i do it this way even thoug hit is a nuisance i don't feel nauseas i have tried everything else also avoid protein through the day just have it in my main meal 45mins after the 5pm dose. it works for me.

tinkerbell
it does help

[heatherwilmot]

Thanks Tinkerbell. I am going to mention your timetable to my Doctor to see whether he thinks I should change my timings as I always feel dreadful after taking my sinemet and requip together at 8.30 am, not so bad the rest of the day. He might think it worth experimenting with. After all, that is what we do, try things. I am also going to see if Pilates will help. can't do any harm.
Goodnight Heather(prill););)

[maryg]

At the moment I take 9 mgs of ropinarol per day spread out at breakfast, dinner and teatime At the same time I take half a siminet tablet three times a day. I usually feel best first thing in the morning but by about 1.30 in the afternoon I am barely able to walk down to the dustbin. I wonder if I need to increase the medication or take it at different times. Does anyone have any advice?

[tinkerbell]

hi,
i have increased my sinemet recently but i a m having problems with tremors. it has been really bad i have read the side effects and it says can cause excessive tremors, i don't know what to do.

the sinemet has helped in other areas of my pd but not the tremor which i find very exhausting.
tinkerbell:confused:

[Drew Saunders]

Hi Tinkerbell,
What strength of sinemet have you been subscribed?
I take sinemet 62.5 (lowest dosage). 2 x sinemet at 8 am then 1 every 2 hours up to 10 pm making a total of 9.
In my particular case I was finding that my tremors were kicking in before I was due to take my next med. My consultant put me on 1 Azilect 1mg to be taken with my first 2 simenet and I am, normally, OK on this.
It sounds to me like the sinemet you have been subscribed is too high. Be aware that sinemet has some side effects that can, for some, be adverse. I.E. too much can cause dyskanesia (probably spelt wronly) which may create excessive uncontrolable muscle spasm in the limbs. Have a chat with your consultant/doctor. Because the effects/medication affects everyone differently it is a matter of trial and error. I hope this helps but appreciate that this can create more problems that it solves.
Life is difficult enough without PD but persevere and a happy medium should be reached. Be aware that you are not alone, keep asking questions because someone will come up with the answer that will help.
Hope you are having the best day that you can,
Regards
Drew

I forgot to mention. If I get an anxiety attack or my tremors up the stakes because I am going to somewhere that is unfamiliar to me I take 1 diazapam 2mg and I calm down. Diazapam has 2 funtions. 1. It helps with the anxiety/panic attacks and 2. is a muscle relaxant.

[heather]

Hi Tinkerbell,
What strength of sinemet have you been subscribed?
I take sinemet 62.5 (lowest dosage). 2 x sinemet at 8 am then 1 every 2 hours up to 10 pm making a total of 9.
In my particular case I was finding that my tremors were kicking in before I was due to take my next med. My consultant put me on 1 Azilect 1mg to be taken with my first 2 simenet and I am, normally, OK on this.
It sounds to me like the sinemet you have been subscribed is too high. Be aware that sinemet has some side effects that can, for some, be adverse. I.E. too much can cause dyskanesia (probably spelt wronly) which may create excessive uncontrolable muscle spasm in the limbs. Have a chat with your consultant/doctor. Because the effects/medication affects everyone differently it is a matter of trial and error. I hope this helps but appreciate that this can create more problems that it solves.
Life is difficult enough without PD but persevere and a happy medium should be reached. Be aware that you are not alone, keep asking questions because someone will come up with the answer that will help.
Hope you are having the best day that you can,
Regards
Drew

I forgot to mention. If I get an anxiety attack or my tremors up the stakes because I am going to somewhere that is unfamiliar to me I take 1 diazapam 2mg and I calm down. Diazapam has 2 funtions. 1. It helps with the anxiety/panic attacks and 2. is a muscle relaxant.

Hi Drew,hope you are well
After reading your other post on diazapam,i got his doctor to prescribe it for him, best thing since slice bread.
He prescribed him 2 mgm one or two ml 3xday,after a little experimenting, he is on one 2mgm am and pm, and if he gets distressed in the afternoon, i give him another 2mgm
We find that about 1 hour after it he sleeps for about1/2hour
but that could also be from exhaustion, after i have washed dressed and feed him , but his movement's are so much better, it's well worth anyone trying, as i haven't seen Jim so relaxed for years

[Drew Saunders]

Heather sweetheart,
I am so pleased that I could help. I get a real buzz when something I suggest makes a difference to someones life. Have a grand weekend but don't forget your brollie!
Drew

[Drew Saunders]

hi,
i have increased my sinemet recently but i a m having problems with tremors. it has been really bad i have read the side effects and it says can cause excessive tremors, i don't know what to do.

the sinemet has helped in other areas of my pd but not the tremor which i find very exhausting.
tinkerbell:confused:

I would suggest diazapam 2mg (lowest dosage) when the tremors become unbearable. You will appreciate that I am not a medical person and my suggestions are purely based on my own experiance. Have a word with your GP/Consultant and see if he/she agrees,
Have the best days that you can,
Drew

[heather]

No thank you Drew
every time i give it him i think of you and bless the day i read your post,
I was telling the Sister in work with before i asked for it, and she didn't agree as she said it would make him more sleepy. His doctor agreed with us as we had nothing to lose, and like he said, what difference would it make if it meant I could move his limbs with out hurting him/me ,and we could always stop it.so that's one up to "Drew " one big 0 to the ones who think they no it all:D
Take my friend, Thank you
I think you will find all your post's are a big help Drew, as it's only you and others who take the medication, who can understand what it's about,the doctors etc can't they haven't got a clue

I haven't been through the door today, as it hasn't stoped raining all day, and 11pm now and still raining

[Drew Saunders]

Heather,
I have replied to your input re diazapam but I am crying - really. I am so chuffed that I have made a positive difference to Jim's life. I am having trouble seeing the keyboard.
Bless you both. It is times like this that life feels worthwhile.
Sorry no jokes or pictures but none required. Thank you for making my day.
God Bless to both of you
Drew

[heather]

I would suggest diazapam 2mg (lowest dosage) when the tremors become unbearable. You will appreciate that I am not a medical person and my suggestions are purely based on my own experiance. Have a word with your GP/Consultant and see if he/she agrees,
Have the best days that you can,
Drew
Tinkerbell
Give it a go,if it doesn't help you can always stop it, you have nothing to lose,but fingers crossed every thing to gain like Jim Take care
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/maesisaf/A2VEKENCA1Q7OPRCAZ1KEH6CAB2FSQYCAES.gif

[Drew Saunders]

No thank you Drew
every time i give it him i think of you and bless the day i read your post,
I was telling the Sister in work with before i asked for it, and she didn't agree as she said it would make him more sleepy. His doctor agreed with us as we had nothing to lose, and like he said, what difference would it make if it meant I could move his limbs with out hurting him/me ,and we could always stop it.so that's one up to "Drew " one big 0 to the ones who think they no it all:D
Take my friend, Thank you
I think you will find all your post's are a big help Drew, as it's only you and others who take the medication, who can understand what it's about,the doctors etc can't they haven't got a clue

I haven't been through the door today, as it hasn't stoped raining all day, and 11pm now and still raining

The last word on this. I have never felt so fulfilled in all my life. To think that I have helped someone like Jim who has suffered for so long. This may sound weired but I have a friend who is a medium and every now and again I get messages from the spirit world and pass them on. Please do not poo poo this notion. Believe me it works. Keep an open mind - it does not matter where ideas come from as long as they help,
Thank Goodness there is a God who looks down on us and helps where and however He can,
Drew

[heather]

Heather,
I have replied to your input re diazapam but I am crying - really. I am so chuffed that I have made a positive difference to Jim's life. I am having trouble seeing the keyboard.
Bless you both. It is times like this that life feels worthwhile.
Sorry no jokes or pictures but none required. Thank you for making my day.
God Bless to both of you
Drew

hi Drew I hope they are tears of joy
But seriously it has made a great difference for both of us,
Before when i had to roll him to put the sling for hoist under him, he was so stiff and heavy, now relaxed he just rolls both ways,no pushing or pulling.
As a nurse we have always gone by the book with medication as it's the law, but after reading all you on hear i have been given the confidence to experiment with it, hope that makes sense , they say you are never to old to learn, and that i'm doing every day on hear
take care keep well need you to guide us

[Drew Saunders]

Oh tears of joy for sure. Thank you for your kind words. Always reassurring. I'm like "Andy Capp" if you remember him. Dancing down the road clicking my heels!
Sleep well,
Drew

[heather]

Oh tears of joy for sure. Thank you for your kind words. Always reassurring. I'm like "Andy Capp" if you remember him. Dancing down the road clicking my heels!
Sleep well,
Drew
With Flo on your arm :D
Ohhh Andy Capp and Flo are my favourite
have got a folder in my pictures on him
now i'm sitting hear grinning from ear to ear
take care sleep well 11 45, must get sorted for bed
have you heard any thing from LTD-Addition.i did try ringing her once, but she was engaged, then i got carried away on hear

[Drew Saunders]

With Flo on your arm :D
Ohhh Andy Capp and Flo are my favourite
have got a folder in my pictures on him
now i'm sitting hear grinning from ear to ear
take care sleep well 11 45, must get sorted for bed
have you heard any thing from LTD-Addition.i did try ringing her once, but she was engaged, then i got carried away on hear

Yes spoke to her briefly about1/2 hour ago but was on web cam with friends in Malta. She is fine,
Regards
drew

[ltd-addition]

Doctor Drew ! Hey I'm proud of each & every one of you !

It makes my Heart feel proud, to read of the unselfish, truly magnanimous assistance we share on this forum.

It doesn't matter what colour, religion or political party we belong too. What matters is that we are human & we can share our thoughts, emotions & knowledge.

We have a common thread "Parker's" no wonder God chose us to deal with a relative/partner or be diagnosed with it or a similar fate.

He needed us to show other's how important life, friendships & being supportive of each other can be to those who are not blessed with a sharing Heart.

We are the teachers of humanity

May your God bless you & watch over you & yours Amen

[heather]

Yes spoke to her briefly about1/2 hour ago but was on web cam with friends in Malta. She is fine,
Regards
drew

Thanks how is the web cam going, are lot's of you chatting

[heather]

Doctor Drew ! Hey I'm proud of each & every one of you !

It makes my Heart feel proud, to read of the unselfish, truly magnanimous assistance we share on this forum.

It doesn't matter what colour, religion or political party we belong too. What matters is that we are human & we can share our thoughts, emotions & knowledge.

We have a common thread "Parker's" no wonder God chose us to deal with a relative/partner or be diagnosed with it or a similar fate.

He needed us to show other's how important life, friendships & being supportive of each other can be to those who are not blessed with a sharing Heart.

We are the teachers of humanity

May your God bless you & watch over you & yours Amen

Hi Ltd-Addition
so well put
When God closes a door, He opens another, and it's that long corridor in-between we need to help each other down
take care