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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: severe cramping
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:47:54 -0000
X-UIDL: f52015d3ef0681d5201aca881e281cdc

>Date:  Sat, 23 Mar 1996 21:20:54 -0800
>Reply-To: "Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: "Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
>From:  DEBORAH BELLMAN <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      severe cramping
>Comments: To: [log in to unmask]
>To:    Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>I am interested in any help/info anyone can offer re. severe dystonia type
>cramping. my mother, who has been diagnosed with Parkinsons for 9 years,
>suffers everyday for prolonged periods from major muscle cramps, mainly up
>one side of her body. she takes sinemet  and
>sinemet CR and valium and Permax and Prozac. She has tried many variations
>on timing and medication but seems to be getting worse, and the pain is
>unbearable. Other people I know with PD don't seem to have this same
>situation. Any ideas? Feedback would be great. She feels life is not
>worthwhile and it is a most awful situation. thank you...
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>


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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: Severe Cramping
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:47:38 -0000
X-UIDL: 1508288ecc92ea9c069dfa8b158d27c4

>Date:=09Sun, 24 Mar 1996 06:21:01 UT
>Reply-To: "Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: "Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
>From:=09Barbara Mallut <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      Severe Cramping
>Comments: To: [log in to unmask]
>To:=09Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Subject: RE: severe cramping
>
>Deborah.... Years ago, before I actually'd been dx'd with PD, (You know the
>MD's routine.. "You're too young for Parkinson's so there's nothing wrong with
>
>you") I had terribly painful cramping on what my family called, "Barb's bad
>side."  "Bad" meaning it seemed to have a life of it's own and that "life"
>included awfully painful cramping.  Believe it or not, my dermatologist (not
>knowing I had PD) suggested vitamin E for the cramps.  And I had outstanding
>results with it. (Unfortunately, vitamin E  hasn't made me a better typist or
>spelller!) <grinning>
>
>I've followed the regimen below for about 10 years and the ONLY time I get any
>
>cramping at all is if I forget to take the vitamin E even so much as one day..
>
>Start with 2000 mgs vitamin E per day.... 1/2 in pm and 1/2 in am... for one
>week.  IF cramps are lessened, but not stopped, continue on at this dosage for
>
>another 2 weeks.  Then drop the daily dosage to 1600 mgs for one week.  If no
>cramping after the week, drop the dosage once again to 1200 mgs. for one week.
>
> And if there's continued non-cramping, drop daily dose to 800 mgs.
>
>I've stayed at 800 mg. of vitamin E for about 10 years, taken with lunch every
>
>day.  Sometimes I've run out and having missed a day or two before getting to
>the drug store to pick up more, the cramps DO come back.  SO this isn't a
>"cure."   But if that happens, I just up the dosage to 1200 mgs. for a coupla
>days and the cramps stop immediately.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>----------
>From:   Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network on behalf of DEBORAH
>
>BELLMAN
>Sent:   Saturday, March 23, 1996 9:20 PM
>To:     Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
>Subject:        severe cramping
>
>I am interested in any help/info anyone can offer re. severe dystonia type
>cramping. my mother, who has been diagnosed with Parkinsons for 9 years,
>suffers everyday for prolonged periods from major muscle cramps, mainly up
>one side of her body. she takes sinemet  and
>sinemet CR and valium and Permax and Prozac. She has tried many variations
>on timing and medication but seems to be getting worse, and the pain is
>unbearable. Other people I know with PD don't seem to have this same
>situation. Any ideas? Feedback would be great. She feels life is not
>worthwhile and it is a most awful situation. thank you...
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
>--WAA10353.827648083/upsmot03.msn.com--
>
>


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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: Re: Cramping feet
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:47:07 -0000
X-UIDL: f02ad30bf9bc3fc7b462099e4170bcf5

>Date:=09Thu, 28 Mar 1996 14:02:19 -0500
>Reply-To: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>From:=09alan michael <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      Re: Cramping feet
>To:=09Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>HELLO THERE:  I still lurking around with an idea or two.
>If you take big amounts of calcium like I do why not try
>chelated zinc 30mg at night 1 tablet.  To me, what cramp-
>ing means is not enough calcium from my problems and
>lifetime of learning.  So I read a lot took 1 30mg chela-
>ted zinc before bed and this is the best day of being
>able to walk and no pain. I take 500 mg calcium daily and
>when you in pain you start reading.  Zinc helped me tre-
>mendously today.  Everybody is different so keep that in
>mind.  Hope it works for you and send a note or two back
>so I know I got on the list.
>
>REGARDS,
>Susan Michael
>47yrs. PD 10 yrs.
>
>


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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: conjecturing
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:46:47 -0000
X-UIDL: fc5121b08851c22ac0a5e3db98d592f5

>Posted-Date: Thu, 28 Mar 1996 10:01:18 -0800
>X-Sender: [log in to unmask]
>Date:=09Thu, 28 Mar 1996 13:04:06 -0500
>Reply-To: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>From:=09"Ronald F. Vetter" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      conjecturing
>To:=09Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Perhaps the disruptions of the autonomic neural and hormonal and chemical
>system by Parkinsonian and diabetic and other immune system disorders cause
>the burning feet and/or restless leg symptoms.
>
>The dystonia muswcle pains/cramps seem similar - whether located in toes,
>foot, calf, jaw, tongue, larnyx, pharynx, neck, shoulder, et cetera.
>However, the size of the hyper-tonic muscle is important to the amount of
>pain produced.  The duration of the hyper-tension (hyper-tonia) is also
>important. And, the deformation (strain) caused by the unbalanced stresses
>in the muscles is also important in creating the level of pain felt.
>
>Unfortunately, it is also true that repetitive stressing and strains and
>deformations with injury weaken the structure - and sensitize the pain
>receptors.  Adding to this is our learned expectation that the early
>indications of such an episode become anxiety initiators of "It's starting
>to cramp again!!" -- and this recognition actually dumps the hormones and
>neurotransmitters into the system which dys-functions (does not properly
>respond - one or more diseases) -- and my inability to relax
>inappropriately increases the tension, stress, strain, pain (cycle).
>
>ron      1936, dz PD 1984
>Ronald F. Vetter <[log in to unmask]>
>http://www1.ridgecrest.ca.us/~rfvetter/
>
>


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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: Leg Cramps - Dystonia
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:46:05 -0000
X-UIDL: 22776e7339451b5f69001a23967efce5

>Date: Tue, 7 May 1996 10:54:35 -0400
>Reply-To: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>From: [log in to unmask]
>Subject:      Leg Cramps - Dystonia
>To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Dr. Cheryl Waters of USC Parkinson's Center published a report on leg spasms
>and toe curls (dystonia).  Her report stated these painful spasms accure only
>when off medications.  They seem to be during periods when the patient is
>starting medication or when the patient is going off medication.
>
>This implies:
>
>(1) Those experiencing these dystonias all day, are never in their
>therapuetic window, I.e. they are off all day.
>
>(2) The only logical times to experience dystonia is in the morning when we
>take first medication and in the evening when we go off for nighttime.
>
>I would guess it would be better to startup quickly so as to minimize the
>time off.  The medication with the fastest startup time is Liquid Sinemet
>followed by regular sinemet.  The use of sinemet cr as the first and only
>startup medication makes no sense  It takes an hour longer for CR to peak
>than a 25/100 regular.  And then the peak for CR is lower than for regular.
> I have heard many patients claim that the dystonia started about the time
>they started on CR.  I am not saying not to use CR.  Just don't use it as the
>only medication to start the day if you are experiencing dystonia.
>
>Regards,
>Alan Bonander
>
>


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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: Info. on foot cramps & web sites
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:46:28 -0000
X-UIDL: fea1503f02e6a66035e7e527e5a1ea7e

>Encoding: 40 TEXT, 59 UUENCODE
>X-MS-Attachment: WINMAIL.DAT 0 00-00-1980 00:00
>Date:=09Tue, 30 Apr 1996 23:11:13 -0400
>Reply-To: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>From:=09Richard Morelli <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      Info. on foot cramps & web sites
>To:=09Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Hello,
>   Since I get these too and there was some interest expressed, I searched
>the Worldwide Web Sites listed below and came up with the article below,
>which I edited down somewhat.
>  Rich Morelli
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
>http://www.rio.com/~jskaye/pd/index.html
>http://neuro-chief-e.mgh.harvard.edu/parkinsonsweb/Main/pdmain.html
>http://neuro-chief-e.mgh.harvard.edu/parkinsonsweb/Main/Other/More2.html
>
>
>Parkinson's Disease: Treating Foot Cramps
>
>Reprinted from Medical Sciences Bulletin published by Pharmaceutical
>Information Associates, Ltd.
>
>Aching and cramping of the feet are common complaints, often occurring
>after injury (strains and sprains) or excessive exercise, or in association
>with arthritis or poor circulation in the legs. In Parkinson's disease
>(PD), cramping of the feet is also very common, but the cause is central
>rather than peripheral. Foot cramping is just one of several focal
>dystonias -- abnormal, sustained tightening of muscles -- that appear to be
>due to neurochemical abnormalities in the basal ganglia, that part of the
>brain involved in PD. Patients show a particular type of cramping
>characterized by downward clenching of the toes or inward turning of the
>foot. Cramping can occur throughout the day or night, and can be especially
>annoying when it interferes with sleep. Foot cramping is more common among
>those individuals whose PD affects just one side of the body.
>
>(SECTION DELETED HERE)
>
>A careful evaluation of the temporal relationship between foot cramping and
>the levodopa dosage schedule should help the physician decide how best to
>treat this uncomfortable manifestation of PD. Modifying the levodopa
>regimen or adding other anti-PD agents can alter signals from the brain
>that trigger the contractions, or the muscle itself can be "paralyzed" with
>botulinum toxin. (LeWitt PA. UPF Newsl. 1993; #3: 3-4).
>


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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: Leg Cramps - Dystonia
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:45:43 -0000
X-UIDL: 7d955aea09ad3a97288d077c794f7cb0

>Date: Wed, 8 May 1996 07:16:10 -0400
>Reply-To: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>From: [log in to unmask]
>Subject:      Leg Cramps - Dystonia
>To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Some months ago someone on this service told how to get rid of dystonia in
>the toes and legs.  They said, simply, to raise the foot as high as possible.
> I have tried this and it works.  I will lay on the floor and push my feet as
>high as possible.  This means to support my rear with my arms.  The dystonia
>goes away in seconds.  If you bring your legs down, the dystonia will start
>again.  Maybe 5 to 10 minutes will break the dystonia and you can function
>again.
>
>Tired leg problems in the mid or late afternoon.  This is a very common
>problem.  The way to solve this is to lay on the floor and rest your legs on
>a coffee table or chair. Put a small pillow under the head and streach out
>the arms.  You should limit your time in this postion to not exceed 30
>minutes.  What I find along with many others, is, that after the 30 minutes
>or so, we feel like a new person without PD.  The whole body seems to
>respond.  It is a time of the day I find enjoyable.  Try, you may like it.
>
>Regards,
>Alan Bonander
>
>


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To: [log in to unmask]
From: [log in to unmask] (David Langridge)
Subject: cramps
Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 06:45:05 -0000
X-UIDL: 501c17b1b8c9a5042b2eef9f9ad534a4

>Date: Sun, 19 May 1996 18:57:18 -0400
>Reply-To: "PARKINSN: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: "PARKINSN: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
>From: Elizabeth Southwood <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      cramps
>To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Ivan - I don't have anything revolutionary to help cramps but I've been
>advised to drink water when it happens and it seems to help.  Also, to
>stretch out your leg, pulling the toes towards your head and pushing the heel
>out.  Also, I read early on (for me, 6 years ago) to find a right-sized rock
>and put it under the curl of your toes.  Good Luck!!!!!!!Sack
>
>


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Date: Sun, 21 Jul 1996 22:43:52
From: [log in to unmask] (Margaret  Tuchman)
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Dystonia
X-UIDL: 7796211d4e6a4d99fd17e034462e77ba

Hi, Brian:

 I am sending you copy of info. on 'foot dystonia' that is quite appropriate for
muscle spasms for anywhere in the body.=20
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
http://pharminfo.com/pubs/msb/pd_foot.html
Medical Sciences Bulletin Contents

Parkinson's Disease: Treating Foot Cramps

Reprinted from Medical Sciences Bulletin published by Pharmaceutical=20
Information Associates,
Ltd.
Drugs mentioned:
     levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet/Dupont-MSD)
     selegiline (Eldepryl/Somerset)
     pergolide (Permax/Lilly)
     bromocriptine (Parlodel/Sandoz)
     trihexyphenidyl (Artane/Lederle)
     cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril/Merck)
     baclofen (Lioresal/Geigy)
     clonazepam (Klonopin/Roche)
     botulinum toxin (Botox/Allergan).

Aching and cramping of the feet are common complaints, often occurring after=20
injury (strains and
sprains) or excessive exercise, or in association with arthritis or
poor circulation in the legs. In Parkinson's disease (PD), cramping of the=20
feet is also very
common, but the cause is central rather than peripheral. Foot cramping is
just one of several focal dystonias -- abnormal, sustained tightening of=20
muscles -- that appear to
be due to neurochemical abnormalities in the basal ganglia, that part
of the brain involved in PD. Patients show a particular type of cramping=20
characterized by
downward clenching of the toes or inward turning of the foot. Cramping
can occur throughout the day or night, and can be especially annoying when=20
it interferes with
sleep. Foot cramping is more common among those individuals whose
PD affects just one side of the body.

Dystonias are often mistaken for other causes of cramping or painful=20
muscles. Some individuals
with orthopedic foot problems, such as "hammer toes," are
actually suffering from Parkinsonian dystonia. Patients with dystonias may=20
be entirely unaware of
any Parkinsonism; indeed, muscle cramping can precede the onset
of Parkinsonian symptoms by years. There are no laboratory tests that=20
distinguish dystonia from
other causes of cramping, although a thorough neurologic
examination and specialized tests should pinpoint the cause. Some dystonic=20
features -- such as
blepharospasm (involuntary closing of the eyelids) or torticollis
(involuntary turning of the neck) -- are common in the general population.

In the PD patient receiving levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet/DuPont=20
Pharmaceuticals), focal
dystonias may be caused by either too much of the drug or too little.
Patients may experience dystonia when peak drug levels are attained 1 to 2=20
hours after
administration, or hours later when drug effects wear off. Changing the dose
or dosage schedule of Sinemet, or using the sustained-release product=20
(Sinemet CR) may help.
The monoamine-oxidase B inhibitor selegiline (Eldepryl/Somerset)
may also help. A bedtime dose of Sinemet CR, pergolide (Permax/Lilly), or=20
bromocriptine
(Parlodel/Sandoz) may prevent foot dystonia during early- morning
hours. Some patients respond to anticholinergics such as trihexyphenidyl=20
(Artane/Lederle),
muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril/Merck) and
baclofen (Lioresal/Geigy), and the anticonvulsant clonazepam=20
(Klonopin/Roche). Another
treatment giving excellent relief is botulinum toxin (Botox/Allergan).
Injected into the dystonic or cramping muscle, botulinum toxin reduces the=20
intensity of the
spasms; the effects may last months after injec-tion. The toxin is also used
for Parkinsonian tremors, benign essential tremor, and a number of dystonias=20
not always
associated with PD. These include blepharospasm, torticollis, dysphonia
(cramping of the vocal cords), strabismus (wandering eye), stuttering, and=20
large-muscle spasms
associated with conditions such as stroke, head trauma, and multiple
sclerosis.

A careful evaluation of the temporal relationship between foot cramping and=20
the levodopa dosage
schedule should help the physician decide how best to treat this
uncomfortable manifestation of PD. Modifying the levodopa regimen or adding=20
other anti-PD
agents can alter signals from the brain that trigger the contractions, or
the muscle itself can be "paralyzed" with botulinum toxin. (LeWitt PA. UPF=20
Newsl. 1993; #3: 3-4).
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D

=20


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Date: Sun, 21 Jul 1996 14:19:10
From: [log in to unmask] (Margaret  Tuchman)
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Advice needed - muscle cramp
Cc: [log in to unmask]
X-UIDL: d9efe14bca1508121d1a28829ea126b1

I am forwarding this for Brian Collins who has problems receiving from and=20
sending to the listserv. It is lonely to be without the listserv!
I will forward your suggestions to Brian until he is re-established.
Thank you,
Margaret Tuchman
[log in to unmask]

>Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 10:20:28 +0000 (GMT)
>To: [log in to unmask]
>
>From:  Brian Collins   [log in to unmask]
>
>Subject: Muscle Cramp- Advice needed
>
>I am re-sending this call for help, as I am not sure that it got through
>last time.
>
>A friend of mine is in the fairly advanced stages of PD, and is=20
experiencing
>severe cramp ( specifically in his left buttock ) as the last dose of=20
Sinemet
>begins to wear off. It is clearly terribly painful. Does anyone have any
>advice ?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>>From Brian Collins.  < [log in to unmask] >
>
________________________________________




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From: "William L. Butch" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      quinine for leg cramps - need advise
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
X-UIDL: befbfda1242e374f8a42c345241961f4

My neurologist this week prescribed Quinine Sulfate 260mg - one per day -
for leg cramps.  Don't ever recall reading anything about this drug in
connection with Parkinsons.  Anyone had any experience with it?  Any advice
would be much appreciated.

Bill Butch
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.A.
[log in to unmask]


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"P. Schark" <[log in to unmask]>
Re: Muscle cramp & Tylenol
                You might try an old joggers trick: Quinnine.  I buy over
the counter pills and take one if I feel that cramps are the order of the
night.  Alternatively, I drink TonicWater (as in gin and tonic) for my
stomach acid and that seems to keep things on track.
Arnie


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From: "P. Schark" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Muscle cramp & Tylenol
Comments: To: Margaret Tuchman <[log in to unmask]>
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
In-Reply-To:  <[log in to unmask]>
X-UIDL: bae636a58728adbb029866aab6d78ef8

Margaret,

I've not had a good reaction to Tylenol, even though I don't take
Eldepryl.  A friend recommended two teaspoons of cider vinegar in a glass
of water for foot cramps, and so far it seems to be working.  I can feel
the cramps coming on, so I take the vinegar then.  For cramps in the
calves, bite your lower lip and pinch your upper lip.  Sounds crazy but
it works!

We are so medicated as it is that I try to avoid any extras, such as pain
killers, cold medicines, sleeping pills, etc.  For pain I use white
willow bark (the active ingredient in aspirin), but only after the pain
doesn't go away when I'm "on."  I find that I often have pain, such as a
headache, while I'm off," but it goes away when the meds kick in, so I'm
not took quick with the pain pills.  For colds and sinus problems, I
stick to nasalide, a spray.

Hope this helps.








  pine`


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From: Margaret Tuchman <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Muscle cramp & Tylenol
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
X-UIDL: e1f2e22a276f659efc884162a2acf743

Hello, Vicki:
Regarding your post about possibly using Tylenol for muscle cramping: I am
excerpting sections of posts I saved from May 1996 cautioning againts the
use
of Tylenol.

Don Ball wrote on 5/14:
>Pseudoephedrine can cause severe problems in certain susceptible persons.
>Although never diagnosed as having Parkinsons, I have mild to moderate
>autonomic dysfunction and I'm one of those.  Have significant CNS
>depression
(not mental depression), anxiety, respiratory difficulties, and hypotension.
------------------------------------

Art Hirsch wrote:
>The following is taken verbatim from a package of Tylenol flu, although I
>have seen similar warnings on packages of some other special purpose
>Tylenol
>products and on products marketed by competitors of McNeil Consumer
>Products
>Co., who market Tylenol and own the Tylenol trade name:

>DRUG INTERACTION PRECAUTION:  Do not take this product if you are presently
>taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or you are now taking a
>prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for
>depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease),
>or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug.  If you are uncertain whether
>your prescription drug contains an MAOI, consult a health professional
>before taking this product...........
>After reading discussions on this list regarding Eldepryl and Demerol, this
>incident came to mind, and along with it these two questions:
>
>1.) What are the risks of taking these cold pills with Eldepryl?
>
>2.) What is recommended for a cold, sinus trouble, flu, etc., if one can
not
>take the over-the-counter medicines which contain pseudoephdrine HCl?
-----------------------------------
Joe Bruman wrote on 5/15:

>I don't keep up to date on my non-prescription PDR, it's 1987! neverthe-
>less, here is an abbreviated list of products containing pseudoephedrine
>(either hydrochloride or sulfate):
>Actifed, Benadryl, Benylin, Bromfed, Congestac, Contac, Cotylenol,
>Cremacoat, Dimacol, Dorcol, Extra Strength Sine-Aid, Fedrazil, Head and
>Chest Cold Medicine (Vicks), Mediquell, Novahistine, Pediacare, Robitussin,
>Ru-Tuss, Ryna, Sinarest, Singlet, Sinutab, Sudafed, Tylenol, Ursinus,
>Vicks Day Care, Afrinol, Chlor-Trimeton, Disophrol, Drixoral.
>Cheers, Joe
--------------------------------------
And Camilla wrote on 5/15:
>Re: drug list Joe posted--Peter can apparently take the "regular" Tylenol
>withou a problem--that's what he switched to after the post-surgery scare
>when he was given Percocet, which contains oxycodone PLUS Tylonol--it was
>the oxycodone in his case that interfered with dopa absorption, as other
>opiates do.  This may be another example of how unpredictable this PD
>stuff can be! What have others found re: Tylenol?
>Camilla Flintermann,CG for Peter,78/6+Oxford,OH<[log in to unmask]>
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D



Margaret Tuchman (54, dx 1980)
[log in to unmask]

"Service is love made visible.  Generosity is caring made active.
Friendship is trust made manifest." - William Arthur Ward


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From: "Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD" <[log in to unmask]>
Organization: Five Star Living, Inc., 604 East Pitkin, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Subject:      Re: Advice needed - muscle cramp
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
X-UIDL: 73b9c1b01d14c0918caf3ea9b1935b90

V. R. Peyton wrote:
>
> an old time dr. once gave me calcium supplements for muscle cramps. I
> thought he was crazy until it worked.

Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are all of possible concern in muscle
cramping, depending on the reason for the cramp. I have a special
concern for people with PD because dairy products may halt Sinemet
absorption. I fear that PWP may avoid dairy products, thus losing an
abundant source of calcium. If this calcium is not made up in other
ways, muscle cramping, bone weakening, and other conditions could occur.
Calcium is also implicated in hypertension and some of the symptoms of
PMS, such as irritability.

However, calcium supplements are thought to contribute to gallstones in
some people, so I recommend that supplements be discussed with a
physician. I also recommend that you ask the physician for referral to a
registered dietitian, who can determine how much calcium and other
minerals of concern your diet already includes, and can recommend
alternate dietary sources of calcium as well as the best supplements for
you.

Best regards,
--
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
Editor-in-Chief,
"Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus"
Tel: 970-493-6532   Fax: 970-493-6538
http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar
You may wish to contact:
Better Business Bureau of the Mountain States,
< [log in to unmask]>
for further information.


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Sender: "PARKINSN: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network" <PARKINSN@list=
serv.utoronto.ca>
From: "V. R. Peyton" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Advice needed - muscle cramp
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
X-UIDL: 3b399f3c0ec9255ca6611b2970456c43

an old time dr. once gave me calcium supplements for muscle cramps. I
thought he was crazy until it worked.  However, I am not a PD patient, so
don't know if calcium would cross up any of the PD meds or not.  Maybe a dr.
or nutritionist on the list would have some thoughts on this, since if
calcium would provide ANY relief, it'd probably be less likely to cause side
effects than one of the muscle relaxers sometimes given to patients with
cramps.

Does tylenol or aspirin or other over-the-counter pain drugs provide any
relief at all?  Sometimes tylenol helps my dad (he can't take aspirin or any
of the others because of severe bleeding ulcer in past.)  If it helps even a
little, the dr. might be able to recommend a dose level of tylenol (or
whatever) that would provide a little more relief without interacting too
much with the other meds.

Hope you find some answers. If you do, please share, since my dad is looking
for a better answer than tylenol too!

Thanks,
Vicki Peyton
[log in to unmask]
Vicki


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