From: Martin Bayne <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: carbidopa
FOR MARTIN BAYNE Repeated with a copy to the list members, for Interest
On Wed 23 Oct, Martin Bayne wrote:
> Brian: I am 46 and have had PD symptoms for about three years, although
> the "official" diagnosis was made this year by a movement disorder
> specialist. My neuro started me on a trial of amantadine, but I had
> periods of excessive dizziness and then was switched to 25/100 sinemet
> 3-4 times per day. I find the sinemet to be very helpful, although I now
> tire quite easily and must take 2 naps per day. When I read your recent
> post re: carbidopa I began to wonder if I should consult with my neuro
> about 10/100's. Would you recommend I try your computer program?
> Respectfully, MKB
Hello Martin, The general consensus seems to indicate that 70 to 100 mg
of Carbidopa is sufficient to protect the levodopa on its trip from the
stomach to the brain. Just how much is 'too much' is more difficult to
say: different people may have different sensitivity to carbidopa.
However, since you are only taking a total of 100 mg of Carbidopa, I feel
that it is unlikely to be the cause of your sleepiness.
On the other hand, I see no reason why you should not conduct a trial,
with the agreement of your doctor, where for 2 to 3 days you use 10/100
sinemet instead of 25/100. The most likely outcome is that less levodopa
(If any) will get to your brain - Only about 1% of the amount in your
tablet makes it anyway - and you should certainly recognise the loss of
levodopa as an adverse symptom. You MAY however find that the sinemet
still seems to be working, and you are less sleepy, in which case you can
put yourself down as being sensitive to Carbidopa, and stay with the
10/100 tablets.
I have done this type of experimentation myself several times just to see
what happens. (" You have to climb the hill if you want to know what is on
the other side".) I would not normally consider it to be a matter to
raise with my neurologist; I would talk to my doctor and do it with his
agreement. However, you may not have as good an understanding as my
doctor and I.
I can't suggest any other cause of sleepiness. I would have thought that
at your relatively young age you can stand the muscular stresses that
accompany PD sometimes ( There used to be a famous body-builder named
Charles Atlas (before your time ?) who had a wonderful method which he
called "Dynamic Tension", which turned out to mean that he would pit
one muscle against another and push or pull as appropriate.) We PWPs
are unconsciously doing just that all the time, and it can be tiring.
(It may also be why I have less fat and more muscle now than when I was
"fit".)
Re my computer program, I don't think it is appropriate to your case.
You may be confusing the program with a chart which I drew to explain
why the correct dosage of Levodopa is so important. I will attach a copy
- you may find it useful.
Regards, Brian Collins
--
Brian Collins <[log in to unmask]
