Medications for PD tremors

[ipanema5]

I was diagnosed with early stage PD last August. I have tried Neupro patches, Stalevo, Requip to no avail. My right hand continues to tremor. I am now trying Artane and will see if this medication will help me (reduce the tremors). Stalevo left me having severe stomach cramps and diarrhear for 11 straight days forcing me to stop taking that medication after 5-6 weeks. I am getting used to not getting better (reduction of tremors) but wonder if there are others who have had similiar results.

[happy0514]

My sister has been successful with a combination treatment of sinemet and requip. It took awhile to get the right combination and dosages but her tremors have stopped significantly. She does have to take medicine more often during the day to regulate the amount going into her system at one time.

[tinkerbell]

hi happy0154,

could you tell me what doseage your sister is on, as i am on requip and they are putting me on sinemet at the end of the week, i know everyone is different, but it would be nice to have a guide.
tinkerbell

[happy0514]

My sister takes Requip three times a day, one Azilect pill a day, and Sinemet six times a day. Her doctor, at first, had her take the Sinemet three times a day but found that by taking half a pill six times a day she did much better.
Apparently, too much Sinemet at a time can cause involuntary movements, such as facial movements, etc.
The whole family has noticed such an improvement since she started taking the Sinemet six times a day - same daily dosage but spread out over the day.
I hope it works as well for you.

[jschoonover]

I am on Carbidopa/levadopa 25/100, two pills, 3 times a day. This helped slow down my shakes. Recently they added Mirapex 1MG, 1 pill, three times a day. This has stopped my shaking completley for now. My doctor is a Nuerologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. and he was amazed that I did so well after starting on Mirapex. Good luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pauline]

:)Hi I was diagnosed with PD in January Iam on Sinemet 3 times a day and on Mirapex at bed time It helped at first for a little while but now it dosn't help and I am getting the shakes more It started in my left hand but now it is starting in my right hand whats next :confused:

[Pauline]

I have trouble sleeping do others have this problem too

[Pauline]

I have trouble sleeping do others have this problem too

[Peter Geoffrey Simonds]

I have trouble sleeping do others have this problem too

Hi Paauline,
Yes, PD does affect sleep patterns. Of the couple of dozen people I know with PD, half have mentioned it. If you don't get enough sleep at night, plan for regular rest or short sleeps (knaps are they called) during the day. Tiredness is a feature of most of us with PD.
Some medications affect sleep patterns. These usually warn you about it and tell you not to drive etc. when drowsy, particularly if you experience sudden onset of sleep.
But to help with regular night time sleep, your Doctor or Consultant can prescribe medication designed specially for the problem. If that's a step too far, do something like listening to music etc., headphones can deliver just what you like, without disturbing others. Provided you get enough sleep, don't worry too much about when you get it.
SWEET DREAMS!!
Peter Simonds

[heather]

My sister takes Requip three times a day, one Azilect pill a day, and Sinemet six times a day. Her doctor, at first, had her take the Sinemet three times a day but found that by taking half a pill six times a day she did much better.
Apparently, too much Sinemet at a time can cause involuntary movements, such as facial movements, etc.
The whole family has noticed such an improvement since she started taking the Sinemet six times a day - same daily dosage but spread out over the day.
I hope it works as well for you.

My husband started on Sinemet one 3xdaily then after a few weeks two 3x daily almost 12 years ago, he never gets the shakes unless i forget to give him them,it's normaly the tea time ones i forget,then i notice when he is in his hoist the whole lot will swing :eek:
reading every ones post's on hear proves that it depends on the individual, if they work or don't work
good luck Pauline

[Orlan]

ThankfulI don't have the shakes, but do have involuntary movement.. Maybe I should try taking sinemet more often. I now take 4 daily.. It is hard to fill the day with things to do, except computer. Then I sit too much.

[Pauline]

Thank you Peter for answering my post it helps thank you
thank you Heather for your post :):):):)

[Pauline]

Hi Heather

[heather]

Hi Pauline
hope you are having a good day

[Drew Saunders]

I was diagnosed with early stage PD last August. I have tried Neupro patches, Stalevo, Requip to no avail. My right hand continues to tremor. I am now trying Artane and will see if this medication will help me (reduce the tremors). Stalevo left me having severe stomach cramps and diarrhear for 11 straight days forcing me to stop taking that medication after 5-6 weeks. I am getting used to not getting better (reduction of tremors) but wonder if there are others who have had similiar results.

Hi ipanema. My main problem with PD is tremor. I take sinemet 62.5 (lowest dose available). Over time I found that sinemet was not lasting until next dosage due. Consultant gave me Azilect 1MG - 1 per day and my tremors are under control. I take 9 sinemet per day. I am in my 8th year of PD. The down side to long term sinemet is possible Dyscanesia(probably spelt that wrong!) which is involuntary movement other than tremor. Avoid stress/over excitement where ever possible as this will increase tremor. If there is a PD branch in your area discuss it with them. Keep smiling :)

[tinkerbell]

hi, i have been on sinemet plus since sunday one tab three times a day, 1azilect in the morning and 6 requip throughout the day, i find i still have a bothersome tremor does anyone know how long before the sinemet kicks in

[Drew Saunders]

hi, i have been on sinemet plus since sunday one tab three times a day, 1azilect in the morning and 6 requip throughout the day, i find i still have a bothersome tremor does anyone know how long before the sinemet kicks in

Hi Tinkerbell, I'm not sure what sinemet plus is but it may the higher dose. It may be more benificial to you to have the 62.5 lowest dosage but at more regular intervals. When i get up in the morning, usually about 8.00am I take 2 62.5 sinemet and 1 Azilect 1MG thereafter 1 sinemet 62.5 every two hours up to 10.00pm making a total of 9. Of course we are all different but discuss your issue with your doctor or with a PD support nurse. Hope you are having a good day :)

[Drew Saunders]

ThankfulI don't have the shakes, but do have involuntary movement.. Maybe I should try taking sinemet more often. I now take 4 daily.. It is hard to fill the day with things to do, except computer. Then I sit too much.

Hi Orlan, It is known that sinemet can cause involuntary movement but that is just one factor. Because PD affects everyone differently it is difficult to blame sinemet or any other medication that is prescribed to you and create a correct balance. Have a word with your doctor or your local PD support nurse.
I have mobility problems and cannot walk very far before Dystonia cranks in on my right foot so I have a mobility scooter which gets me out and about. The locals know me because I guess I'm a bit eccentric but I do meet all sorts of people. Without my chariot I'd be stuck in front of PC. Something to think about.
Expert I am not but after 8 years of PD I have come to terms with my limitations but do not let it bother me. What's the alternative? - does not bear thinking about. I hope that above helps more than it confuses. By all means get back to me and I'll try and help where I can.
If you are truly stuck on the PC then if you trust me let me know your email address and I'll send you somethings to give you a laugh-the best medicine of all. Smile as often as you can :)

[heather]

hi, i have been on sinemet plus since sunday one tab three times a day, 1azilect in the morning and 6 requip throughout the day, i find i still have a bothersome tremor does anyone know how long before the sinemet kicks in
Hi Tinkerbell
Jim has been on sinemet plus for 12years,[as his illness only mimics PD none of the others work ] he has 2 , 6.25mgm 3 x daily,and only gets the shakes if he misses any,
I thought they where giving him to soon,as he only had a tiny tremble occasionally ,so we believe it stopped them getting worse, if i remember correctly it didn't take long
just a few weeks till they went completely
he is only on a low dose ,so play it by ear,
hope this of some help

[tinkerbell]

hi,
many thanks for your replies i will just to have to see how long before they kick in, if at all. sinemet plus is 100mg levodopa and 25mg carbidopa
tinkerbell

[Tricia7]

I have a tremor in my right hand and arm - and also a lot of stiffness and pain. I also have what Drew has (Distonia?) with my right foot - lately I can hardly walk w/o my foot turning in. I find heavy shoes work better then the light shoes and sandals I have been wearing since its summer and hot.
I do not sleep anymore (except while driving:eek:)and except for the short time on Artane havent slept in probably years - which i am sure makes the sleepiness from the drugs worse (big sigh) and having a 10 month old really hasnt helped!:)
My biggest fear for the future is my son - its bad enough we had him at such advanced ages (hubby is 50 and I am 43) but I cant stand for him to watch my PD as my hubby had to watch his father progressively worsen from PD. This causes issues between us as hubby wants to believe I can pretend I dont have it or if I try hard enough it will go away. He doesnt realizes how bad his nagging and sometime meaness really hurts me - I try to understand his fears - but this is happening to me........
I have only recently began to fear what might come before now I ignored it but as my symptoms progress its becoming more real.
Right now I want to say chin up and be postive but cant help but think life sucks. I will hang out here as the attitude seems positive and hope it rubs off.

thanks for listening
Tricia

[Drew Saunders]

I have a tremor in my right hand and arm - and also a lot of stiffness and pain. I also have what Drew has (Distonia?) with my right foot - lately I can hardly walk w/o my foot turning in. I find heavy shoes work better then the light shoes and sandals I have been wearing since its summer and hot.
I do not sleep anymore (except while driving:eek:)and except for the short time on Artane havent slept in probably years - which i am sure makes the sleepiness from the drugs worse (big sigh) and having a 10 month old really hasnt helped!:)
My biggest fear for the future is my son - its bad enough we had him at such advanced ages (hubby is 50 and I am 43) but I cant stand for him to watch my PD as my hubby had to watch his father progressively worsen from PD. This causes issues between us as hubby wants to believe I can pretend I dont have it or if I try hard enough it will go away. He doesnt realizes how bad his nagging and sometime meaness really hurts me - I try to understand his fears - but this is happening to me........
I have only recently began to fear what might come before now I ignored it but as my symptoms progress its becoming more real.
Right now I want to say chin up and be postive but cant help but think life sucks. I will hang out here as the attitude seems positive and hope it rubs off.

thanks for listening
Tricia

Oh dear Tricia, You are in a difficult position. First of all your husband's attitude will only make your position worse as it is creating stress and therefore making your symptoms worse. If he can be persuaded he needs councelling to come to terms with what you have and encourage you, not put you down. You cannot hide your condition from your son. When he is old enough to take in what you say to him you must both explain to him what you have now (not what might be or not be in the future) but by explaining your situation you will be amazed at how well he accepts it. Kids are very resilient as long as it is explained to them. If you do not he will be curious about your symptoms and probably fear the worst which is not fair on him. I appreciate that your husband's father had PD and the problems he had but that is not you. He is worrying about something which may never happen. PD affects everyone differently so worrying about what may happen is good time wasted. You 3 are a unit and must come to terms with now and all pull together before it pulls you the other way - God forbid. It is imperative that you all make the best of each day. Smile - amazing the response from people when you do. Do you have a friend with a good sense of humour and can make you laugh? Speak to them.
Denial does not work. In fact it just makes things worse. Would your husband go with you to a counceller. Whatever anyone else says they do help. I have used them in the past and was very sceptical about going but after 3 sessions got my head round the problem and have benifited from the experience.
I do hope this helps. You are not alone. There is a whole bunch of us on here to help and advise the best we can.
Have as good a day as you can, Drew

[heatherwilmot]

Oh dear Tricia, You are in a difficult position. First of all your husband's attitude will only make your position worse as it is creating stress and therefore making your symptoms worse. If he can be persuaded he needs councelling to come to terms with what you have and encourage you, not put you down. You cannot hide your condition from your son. When he is old enough to take in what you say to him you must both explain to him what you have now (not what might be or not be in the future) but by explaining your situation you will be amazed at how well he accepts it. Kids are very resilient as long as it is explained to them. If you do not he will be curious about your symptoms and probably fear the worst which is not fair on him. I appreciate that your husband's father had PD and the problems he had but that is not you. He is worrying about something which may never happen. PD affects everyone differently so worrying about what may happen is good time wasted. You 3 are a unit and must come to terms with now and all pull together before it pulls you the other way - God forbid. It is imperative that you all make the best of each day. Smile - amazing the response from people when you do. Do you have a friend with a good sense of humour and can make you laugh? Speak to them.
Denial does not work. In fact it just makes things worse. Would your husband go with you to a counceller. Whatever anyone else says they do help. I have used them in the past and was very sceptical about going but after 3 sessions got my head round the problem and have benifited from the experience.
I do hope this helps. You are not alone. There is a whole bunch of us on here to help and advise the best we can.
Have as good a day as you can, Drew


Heather(Prill)

Yesterday is history : Tomorrow is a mystery ;
To-day is a gift, that is why it is called 'The Present'.

This will not make you feel better but it made me think when
someone gave it to me.

Cliches we do not really need but sometimes they make us think along different lines. when I was diagosed in 2002 I had no idea what Parkinsons was. My Doctor told me the only sure thing was, "we do not know what is going to happen. this disease is different in most people, no set patterns, the only thing is we don't die from it but with it". I have remembered that. We have our good and bad times, and I choose to live my life telling people I have Parkinsons, that I don't want sympathy, just understanding when I cann't get up, cut some food, fold a napkin etc.
I think I used this analogy before. I pretend Parkinsons is a Mr Parky who has moved in, uninvited, and who sometimes is a troublesome guest and others I do not really know he is there. I do know that i have tried to ensure my life has changed very little, except it takes me an hour instead of 10 minutes to get dressed etc, but I still socialise as much as I can, and the reason I tell people what I have is I don't want them to think I'm a drunken old women, wobbling about and occasionally falling over.
i can add very little to what Drew has said, openness and acceptance are I think very important, I have always maintained it is harder for my husband, the carer, than it is for me. I am 73 by the way and feel very sad for you that it has happened to you so young, but as we keep being told, and it is true, there are new drugs and better medication and treatments coming on line all the time.
Keep talking and good luck.Heather(P)

[Gail]

I have a tremor in my right hand and arm - and also a lot of stiffness and pain. I also have what Drew has (Distonia?) with my right foot - lately I can hardly walk w/o my foot turning in. I find heavy shoes work better then the light shoes and sandals I have been wearing since its summer and hot.
I do not sleep anymore (except while driving:eek:)and except for the short time on Artane havent slept in probably years - which i am sure makes the sleepiness from the drugs worse (big sigh) and having a 10 month old really hasnt helped!:)
My biggest fear for the future is my son - its bad enough we had him at such advanced ages (hubby is 50 and I am 43) but I cant stand for him to watch my PD as my hubby had to watch his father progressively worsen from PD. This causes issues between us as hubby wants to believe I can pretend I dont have it or if I try hard enough it will go away. He doesnt realizes how bad his nagging and sometime meaness really hurts me - I try to understand his fears - but this is happening to me........
I have only recently began to fear what might come before now I ignored it but as my symptoms progress its becoming more real.
Right now I want to say chin up and be postive but cant help but think life sucks. I will hang out here as the attitude seems positive and hope it rubs off.

thanks for listening
Tricia


Tricia,

I can't speak for everyone, however, as much as we all try to stay positive, I am pretty sure we all think life sucks from time to time. I don't think we would be human if we didn't. We just can't dwell on it. WOW! A 10 month old baby, I get tired just thinking about that. He must be both a joy and concern to you. You have my admiration. I am 53 and my baby is 26. I have noticed that my children's attitude depends largely on my attitude. I stay positive so they can. I want them to remember me the person, not me the person with PD. I wish I had better words of wisdom for you. Hang in there and try to enjoy that little one.

Gail

[Pauline]

Heather(Prill)

Yesterday is history : Tomorrow is a mystery ;
To-day is a gift, that is why it is called 'The Present'.

Hi Heather P, hope you are well I love that little saying I am I am going to write it out and put it up some where that I can see it so I will always rember it especially when I am down take care :):):)Pauline

[Tricia7]

Drew
I wish hubby would go to counseling - b/c I really need him to see that this is not my imagination and that I cannot pretend it away. He gets mad that I shuffle my feet = actually yell at me. So yes the stress makes me feel so much worse, then I second guess myself that maybe I am letting my self use the PD as an excuse to be tired or anxious etc.
I try to stay active and busy - I am laid off work but with the baby - 2 horses (1 senior requiring special feed etc) and a dog and 2 cats I have a bit to keep me going for sure! Not sure how I kept it up when I did work full time :eek:
I keep working on him trying to get him to understand that my body is letting me down (though actually I guess its my brain :>
Thanks so much for the support - and my baby gives me hugs that keep me alive.
Tricia

[Tricia7]

Heather
I am with you I always tell people I have PD - almost obsessive about it. Not for sympathy but just so the tremor and my walking etc is explained. I would rather people ask then stare or whatever. Maybe I am too open but it just works for me.

Take care
Tricia

[Tricia7]

Tricia,

Hang in there and try to enjoy that little one.

Gail

Gail
He is a sweety and walking now just a barrel of smiles

Tricia

[Gail]

I am sure he is a joy to you. I have a two year old grand daughter with another on due in October. My grandaughter keeps me going, but she also wears me out.

Gail

[Drew Saunders]

[quote=Pauline;243]:)Hi I was diagnosed with PD in January Iam on Sinemet 3 times a day and on Mirapex at bed time It helped at first for a little while but now it dosn't help and I am getting the shakes more It started in my left hand but now it is starting in my right hand whats next :confused:[/quote
Hi Pauline,
You could ask your neuro/doctor for Azilect 1MG to be taken first thing in the morning. My tremors used to kick in before my next dosage was due but since I've been taken Az no probs. I know we are all different but trial and error is the best way forward. Depends on attitude of medics.

[Drew Saunders]

Drew
I wish hubby would go to counseling - b/c I really need him to see that this is not my imagination and that I cannot pretend it away. He gets mad that I shuffle my feet = actually yell at me. So yes the stress makes me feel so much worse, then I second guess myself that maybe I am letting my self use the PD as an excuse to be tired or anxious etc.
I try to stay active and busy - I am laid off work but with the baby - 2 horses (1 senior requiring special feed etc) and a dog and 2 cats I have a bit to keep me going for sure! Not sure how I kept it up when I did work full time :eek:
I keep working on him trying to get him to understand that my body is letting me down (though actually I guess its my brain :>
Thanks so much for the support - and my baby gives me hugs that keep me alive.
Tricia
Hi Tricia
Good job you are not a poker player as the hand you have been dealt is kinda weak. It would appear that your husband is in denial of your condition. Do you know anyone in the medical fraternity that could talk to him about your condition? You have enough on your plate (I think I said that earlier - repetition comes with age!). You need all the help you can get. Any close friend you can confide in? Any close friend who can help you with the baby?
I feel truly sorry for your predicamate. I pray for you to resolve your situation soon. God Bless

[suzie Q]

Hi Tricia i really feel for you it must be so hard for you and having little ones to look after .Maybe your husband will go to some sort of councelling to help him understand what you are going through .and you have to look after yourself and try not to get too stressed .think about today and dont dwell too much on the future and what may or may not happen remembering everyone is different.Try to stay positive there may be a cure just round the corner who knows .hope to talk again sometime


sue

[Gail]

Hi Tricia, hang in there. Stress is absolutely the last thing you need. Hopefully your husband will come to understand what you are going through soon. I think about you and your baby often and how hard what you are going through must be. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Gail

[Annie A]

I have trouble sleeping do others have this problem too

Pauline, I was wondering about this as well. My Mama is 85 with PD, my Dad is 90 and her caretaker. He is getting tired because he says she keeps waking her to help her move.
Have you found answers to this problem?
I suggested he give her Tylenol PM, perhaps if she slept more soundly he could get better rest.
Other responses suggest that her medications may be causing this, so I will check what she is taking.
annie

[Pauline]

Hi Annie
I am sleeping a little better but I do take a sleeping pill now witch I tried to avoid I am on Sinemet and Mirapex I might be wrong but I think one of the side effects of Sinemet is trouble sleeping , But trouble sleeping is A part of PD also .sorry I'm not much help Pauline:):):)

[suzie Q]

Hi i Annie .Pauline is right not sleeping is a sympyom of P.D.Hope you can find some help .i take sleeping tablets and get a great night's sleep .before the tablets i was only sleeping about 3 hours sleeop a night


sue