>> >> Lisa, I'm sure your father's doctor (or doctors) are aware of all these possibilities. However, since you and >> your mother have seen some recent changes, I believe it would be a good idea to report them to his doctor(s) >> along with a complete list of all medications used, and the length of time used, especially since several of >> the drugs (Sinemet, Eldepryl, and Inderal) can interact with each other. If your father receives prescriptions >> from more than one doctor, it's important to be sure that all doctors know about all the drugs he uses, and any >> side effects he experiences. >> >> Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD > >A footnote. Drugs that seemingly do not affect PD (according to the PDR) >may have a profound effect when combined with other meds. I have shared >how strange my husband gets when he takes Lopressor with Sinemet, for >instance. > >The key to understanding if it's the PD or the med is this (for us, at >least). Know what normal is for yourself, or for you signficant other. >If there is a noticeable decline in functioning ability within a short >period of time after a new drug is started, suspect the drug. WITH THE >HELP OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, wean the drug and see if functioning returns; if >it does, you can bet the drug is to be blamed for the dysfunction. > >We recently had this problem with the NSAIDS my husband was taking for >Gout. When our Rheumatologist challenged our assertion, we gently >explained that our observations have proven true in the past. He now is >actively working with us to help Jamie maintain function. > >Whatever you do, don't accept that "it's the Parkinsons." Sometimes it >is, but occasionally (for us at least; my husband takes multiple meds), it >is not. >------ >Peace and joy >Mary Ann > Mary Ann, I went on a crash diet this winter, and came down with gout. Sence I have had it with drugs, I tried a folk med, extract of black cherry, capsules available in health food stores. Also drank a lot of water to flush the system. Gout was gone in 48 hrs.! Peace, John