Hi Joan,
     My massage therapist told me to try it. She said that it would help
relax my muscles when I run so I tried it and it does work. Valerian root is
a herbal extract, it is suppose to help in relaxation and restful sleep. I
just take one and the dose on the bottle said to take two at night time. It
does not make me sleepy. I have an valerian root tea at night to help with
my sleep problems.  It seems to relax me in the evenings. Janice 52/50/46
----- Original Message -----
From: Joan Hartman <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 7:27 PM
Subject: Re: Let's hear it for Requip! (was: Lets hear it for Sinemet)


> Hi Janice.......if valerian root is a sedative, how does it help you and
how
> did you know to take it.    Joan
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Janice Morgan <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 2:14 PM
> Subject: Re: Let's hear it for Requip! (was: Lets hear it for Sinemet)
>
>
> > Hi Bill,
> >      I liked your letter, I am on Sinemet 25/100 two times a day and .25
> mg
> > of Requip three times a day. I just started to run, 3/4 of a mile last
> Aug.
> > and now am up to 4 to 6 miles three or four times a week. I found that
if
> I
> > take a pill called Valerian Root thirty minutes before I run along with
> the
> > rest of my meds and vitas. I do quit well. I was DX a little over two
> years
> > ago and am 52 years of age. I feel great after a run, even though
> sometimes
> > my right leg get a bit stiff and my right arm also. You will be back to
> your
> > long distant running before you know it. Janice 52/50/46
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Bill Innanen <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: <[log in to unmask]>
> > Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 1:07 PM
> > Subject: Let's hear it for Requip! (was: Lets hear it for Sinemet)
> >
> >
> > > PARKINSN friends,
> > >
> > > To add a contrary voice to this discussion, as to whether it is
> > > good/not good to avoid Sinemet early in the progression of PD, let me
> > > relate my experiences.
> > >
> > > I'm 55 and have been diagnosed with PD for just under two months.
> > > Looking back with 20-20 hindsight I can see symptoms almost 2 years
> > > ago.  I was (and maybe will be again) a long distance runner.  Under
> > > the stress of running *any* physical problem manifests itself sooner.
> > > *All* of my early symptoms occurred while running.  In fact, the
> > > thing that finally drove me to a neurologist was a problem with my
> > > left leg while running which in my ignorance I called a "leg-lock."
> > > The neurologist called it dystonia, and combined with a tremor in my
> > > left hand were the core of the diagnosis.  (There was more to it than
> > > that, of course.)
> > >
> > > For the first month he had me on selegiline only.  When I saw him the
> > > second time, he was going to let it go at that since, other than
> > > while running, my symptoms are at the nuisance level.  I bitched and
> > > moaned (as only a thwarted runner can) and he started me on Requip.
> > > I'm sill in the dosage build-up stage.  In fact, I have yet to
> > > complete my second week of the drug.  I'm currently on 1.5 mg/day and
> > > will go to 2.25 mg/day next Wednesday.
> > >
> > > Having said that, I can see a turnaround in my symptoms while running
> > > already.  Yesterday and today (1/15 & 1/16) I've noted a definite
> > > improvement.  Who knows if it will continue.  Knock on wood.  <Bill
> > > raps self on skull>
> > >
> > > But for now, I say, *Let's hear it for Requip!*
> > >
> > > Best,
> > > Bill
> > >
> > > PS - If you want the details see the most recent entries in my
> > > on-line diary at:
> > >
> > >         http://bill.innanen.com/parkinsons/current.shtml#bottom
> > > --
> > > Bill Innanen                     <mailto: [log in to unmask]>
> > >                             <http://Bill.Innanen.com> &
<http://mni.ms>
> > >
> >
>