 |
 |
Monica, As Charlie says - these drugs do cause hallucinations. My father has struggled with the balance of drug therapy vs. PD symptoms for years. Our family (& my dad) votes that we prefer more lucidity and less mobility. Suggestions that we learned - pay to attention to keeping food and liquids flowing through him. When my dad is struggling with constipation - it seems that the hallucinations increase. Similarly - it seems simplistic, but make sure he takes his medication with sufficient water and food in his stomach. My Dad has had some humorous hallucinations, but also some frightening ones - he was convinced that my brother pushed my son into the fireplace, and that he was severely burned - so my Dad called 911 - and my Mom had to deal with paramedics and social workers who needed to investigate a possible child abuse situation. Occasionally I catch my Dad checking my son for scars. I guess my point is that these hallucinations can be VERY real and convincing - so take this seriously, as it seems you are doing. But let your Dad know he certainly isn't alone. Sara ---------- ------------------------------------ >Monica > >Virtually all of the dopamine agonist medications eg Permax, & Parlodel as >well as other drugs like Sinemet and Eldepryl which increase dopamine in the >synapse are associated at times with delusions and hallucinations in a >portion of the PD population. If he absolutely needs the offending >medication sometimes Clozaril can be added although treatment of this is not >an FDA approved indication it is widely used- although there are some very >real risks. Unlike most of the other neuroleptic medications it does not >(usually) worsen PD symptoms and in some individuals is actually theraputic >for PD. > >Good luck, > >Charlie > > > > My dad had a severe psychotic episode a few years ago, which lasted for >> days. He was taken off Permax then, and never resumed dosage until >> recently; he built up from a small amount. A week or so ago, he had >> another hallucination. He says he felt as if he was in a rocket ship >> about to crash. He stopped Permax, and is very wary of it. Any similar >> stoires? >> >> Monica >> >> >**************************************************************************** >************************************* > Charles T. Meyer > Madison, WI > >[log in to unmask] >**************************************************************************** >************************************ >