Donna:

I just switched from Requip to Mirapex (this very day).  Requip gave me gas
and made me sleepy/groggy all day.  Also caused me to twitch in the morning.

It's strange that you mention how bad your father feels only one year after
dx.  One year after dx, I too felt like crap.  Then, I cut out the sinemet
and the permax.  I was only left with Eldepryl and a bunch of supplements.
I immediately felt 85% better.  It's been 2.5 years now and I am still
questioning whether I should take any other medications (e.g., mirapex).
This is not a boast.  It is merely recognition that PD medications can
often be worse than the disease.  Also, their side effects are often
indistinguishable from PD symptoms.  My neuro is a firm believer in
undermedication.

I hope that this observation helps.

                Ron Reiner (59/2)

The only solid reason I have is to regain some semblance of handwriting.  I
just got a new job and I find myself doing a lot of math
At 04:44 PM 3/6/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi ... I think my computers are back and I'm resubscribed.
>I will get to those of you that sent
>personal messages this afternoon - thanks for the support - being off-line
made
>everything worse.
>
>Anyway - anyone on Requip ? What dose ? My dad recently switched from Mirapex
>to ReQuip. This is his third week @ 3 25mg pills 3x a day. He's found it
>best to take the last three very late (11PM) since it makes him sleepy anyway
>this has improved on his sleep. (He was ok on Mirapex but when switching he
>nearly drove my mom nuts being up all night !)
>
>But he still isn't feeling well - nausea depression/confusion - leg pain.
>I think the Mirapex was doing better - except it lowered his BP and made
>him dizzy - if its not one thing its another.
>
>But its been a year now since his DG - and I hate to say it but he's had
>maybe one good day ! He can't keep exisiting at this level (or lack of)
>quality of life.
>
>ANybody have good experiences - advice ? We'll try anything.
>
>I want to switch N - but parents feel one is like another "what can he do
>if the meds don't help".
>
>thanks for support
>
>donna
>daughter of PD dad 74/1 Mir-> Requip (plus Serzone)
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
>-                  Donna Bassolino-Klimas,  Ph.D.
>                   Bristol Myers Squibb Pharma. Res. Inst.
>                   Department of Macromolecular Structure
>                   P.O. Box 4000    Room H3812
>                   Princeton, N.J.  08543 4000
>
>** New phone # at Hopewell Facility
>
>                   (609) 818 - 4413
>                   INTERNET:  [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
>-                  Donna Bassolino-Klimas,  Ph.D.
>                   Bristol Myers Squibb Pharma. Res. Inst.
>                   Department of Macromolecular Structure
>                   P.O. Box 4000    Room H3812
>                   Princeton, N.J.  08543 4000
>
>** New phone # at Hopewell Facility
>
>                   (609) 818 - 4413
>                   INTERNET:  [log in to unmask]
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
>
>