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Hi all, As I wrote several weeks ago, my father has had Parkinson's for 27 years, doing exceptionally well. I've attached his med. schedule to hopefully name some of the drugs that have helped my father--perhaps, in turn, helping some of you. The Sinemet, with PRN l/2-1 tablet, works well. We had to do away with some of the agonists (Permax, Mirapex, etc.) because they caused syncope--especially about 9 a.m. The Proamatine is to raise the blood pressure during the day and the Hydralazine is to lower high blood pressure while he is sleeping. My father's neurologist is exceptional--thoughtful, intelligent, very up to date on everything that's happening in the world of PD. For the last 6 months or so, my father was extremely lethargic--we just couldn't wake him up (even with ice chips placed on his neck, hands, arms. The neurologist introduced 5 mg. Ritalin at 7:30 a.m. It was just like the movie with Robin Williams and Robert DiNero--"Awakenings". He came to life! It was tremendous! But it only lasted about l/2 day and then he napped for about 5 hours until dinner and then slept all night after dinner. He aspirated on 8/30/02 and has been hospitalized ever since. Even though PT is working with him, he's become very, very deconditioned. My father, my mother and I concurred that a feeding tube for the nutrients that he requires was the best thing. Several nurses and doctors, including my father's neurologist, felt that his quality of life was not good over the last six months or so and suggested that nature take its course and for us not to go ahead with the gastric tube. The procedure was done just a week ago. It really is helping him get meds when he's too tired and nutrients when he's asleep. He still eats pureed food and honey-thick liquids. My father is 79. He still loves to sing, still flirts (innocently) with the young ladies, and still loves food. So, that's HIS quality of life--I believe he is content. My question: have any of you taken Ritalin to offset the side effects of the Parkinson's meds and other meds? If so, how did it affect you? My father, who was walking until six months ago (and dancing last October), is very down because he sleeps so much and is missing much of the days again. Any help on this one would be appreciated. Deb White Boston ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn