This is a query to any listmember who's had a similar experience.
At my current stage of life with PD, I'm taking 50/200 Generic
Carbidopa/Levodopa Extended Release enhanced with Comtan three times a day
at four hour intervals. When I first started that regime, I was hoping to
get a longer "on" window, but four hours was about all there was.
Recently, I've experienced a longer "ramping up" time of tremors,
slowness and shortness of breath before the dose kicks in. I've also
noted that my "on" time is getting shorter and I'm having the same
symptoms as the dose wears off. I forgot to mention vitamins (esp. E)
and fiber caps.
I've timed my doses (7AM) so I'm "on" for the drive to work,(11AM)
to be "on" before I add food to the equation, and(3PM) to be "on" for the
drive home. At that point, I can coast until 6 or7:PM before I succumb to
the tremors, slowness and shortness of breath. Stress or being physically
active seems to shorten the cycle. Eating protein blocks absorption of
levodopa. The higher up the food chain the protein , the worse the
effect. On special occasions, I'm allowed a 25/100 Carbidopa/Levodopa,
which gives me two hours of "on" for the evening. The timing of my doses
allows me to continue working and be eligible for health insurance. It
doesn't give me much time - except a few hours on weekends - to be a
spouse, parent, grandparent, neighbor or citizen.
I would be grateful to hear - on the LIST or privately - from
anyone who has been in a similar situation and has ideas for treatment
options I could discuss with my Neurologist or Alternative practices that
might fit.
Thanks for your help, Geo.
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