Recent listings have clearly stated the benefits of early use of
Sinemet. However I believe that it is incorrect to characterize Amantadine
as ineffective or old fashioned, especially if combined with Eldepryl. My
personal experience with these medications has been good. Like just about
every aspect of Parkinson's, it varies from person to person.
My problems with Parkinson's were first manifested in leg cramps
felt when running and swimming at around age 40. I had continued a program
of early morning runs (3-4 miles) or lap swimming (1/2 - 1 mile) 4-5 times
per week since completing 2 years of active duty in the Marine Corps 20
years before. I had continued in the Marine Reserve and regular physical
fitness tests there had motivated me to keep working out. I first
attributed the cramps to a "B-squad" body hitting 40. I could still pass
my Reserve running tests by walking a short distance at midpoint, so I
didn't worry about it. I wrote off slight tremor on my right side to
drinking too much coffee (because I was moving slow after exercise!).
However at age 43, I had a sudden decline to where I could hardly
walk around the block. I was late to work in the morning because of slow
movement. (No matter how early I set the alarm, it took forever to get
ready, forget about the exercise program!) I had extreme difficulty
writing and tremor in my right hand became a constant.
My HMO referred me to a Neurologist who soon diagnosed Parkinson's.
My first medication was Eldepryl. Amantadine at 2x100mg was added soon
after. That's all I took the first year. Amantadine was increased to
3x100mg the second year. I had immediate results with Amantadine. My
Marine Reserve and running activities were over, but tremor ended
completely, I could walk 2-3 miles at a fast pace, and I resumed swimming
up to 1/2 mile.
I've told this long story inorder to show that Amantadine can work
for some people. This 3rd year of medications, I've started to have the
usual Parkinson's problems again. Parlodel was added. But it may be time
to switch to Sinemet. However, I submit that Amantadine can work
effectively and isn't old fashioned. By the way, my Neurologist is a young
man. At 45, I feel old when talking to him!
