 |
 |
We are at a low point now and have been there for about 6 weeks. Nancy had been progressing beatifully since her unilateral pallidotomies last May and July. We have been adjusting and changing meds in an attempt to get as much benefit out of the surgery as possible, but we have managed to get into trouble. After successfully using Prozac to contol depression for nearly 7 years, we decided to try Serzone. As has been reported here it is supposed to have fewer side effects than Prozac including less impact on sleep disorders and sexual function. At this crossroad depression is contolling our lives. Neither of us are getting much sleep. Nancy is hyperactive, compulsive and crys easily but only briefly (1 or 2 minutes per episode). PD off periods are awful. Freezing and akinesia are potent and long lasting (one to two hours at a time). PD meds seem to be working but the results aren't normal. For example the standard tests of elbow and wrist mobility almost always are asymptomatic or slightly rigid but right side back muscles are dystonic and legs just don't want to move. There is no return of dyskinesia (pallidotomy seems to have eliminated it for good - we hope) but this depression and freezing is making us pay a heavy toll. Current meds follow: Medicine frequency quantity daily total Serzone 100mg. 9am & 1pm 1 200mg Sinemet 25/100 every 1 1/2 hr. 1 250/1000 Sinemet 25/100cr every 3 hr. 1 100/400 Permax 1mg every 1 1/2 hr. 1/2 4mg Ativan as needed taking 1 or two a day for anxiety Klonopin .5mg at night occasional use for sleep Trazodone 100mg at night occasional use for sleep Nancy is 51, PD 20 years Looking for comments from any who are taking Serzone. 1. How many milligrams per day? 2. How long did it take to see the benefits? 3. Have you noticed any changes in the way your other PD meds are working? We are seeing a neurologist, psychiatrist (for the serzone) and getting counseling to get us through this period but without much success. Any ideas/thoughts/help would be appreciated. --------------------------------- Bob Martone [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------