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Greetings: I'm a 53-year-old writer from Texas (I'm certain everyone is really impressed.) Diagnosed with PD about 6 years ago. A LITTLE BACKGROUND: I have the "Gait-Related" Parkinson's. Have never had tremors. Symptoms started when I was 47 years old. I noticed my right arm stopped swinging as I walked; I started limping; my toes began to curl under involuntarily; and my handwriting quickly went down the tubes. My first neurologist started me on Sinemet and Eldepryl immediately. Of course, I didn't know anything about the disease or the medications at that time, so I began taking one 25/100 Sinemet pill three times a day with meals (about 6 hours apart). During the nearly six years that have passed, I have changed doctors and have increased the Sinemet dosage gradually so that I can remain functional most of the day. For the past eight months, my Sinemet dosage has been: two and one-half 25/100 tablets at breakfast and lunch and two 25/100 pills with dinner. That usually covers me from approximately 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. until about 10:00 p.m. Some days, late in the afternoon, I have a gap between when the lunch pills wear off and when I take my evening pills. Of course, there are those wonderfull days when the Sinemet takes four or five hours to kick in. I just love sitting around waiting for my body to relax so that I can walk to the refrigerator. About three weeks ago, I got out of bed one morning and discovered that my early-morning limp had suddenly turned into an early-morning quick step and falling problem (propulsion). I could barely walk. My doctor suggested I try taking one time-release Sinemet CR (50/200) at bedtime. So far, this has worked. The pill does not kick in until about 5 hours after I take it. When I get up at 5:00 a.m, it's still working, so I have the freedom of movement I need to shower, dress and get ready for work. Unfortunately, that brings my total 24-hour dosage of Sinemet up to 900 mg. That concerns me, but I don't know what else to do. So far, I have not developed any serious dyskenesia problems, although I realize that is a possibility. Anyone had any similar experiences? Anyone have any suggestions? PROBLEMS: Main one is depression, which I believe is drug induced. Some days, late in the afternoon, I sink into a deep blue funk if my lunch pills wear off before dinner. A period of depression and paranoia follows for about an hour. When I feel an attack coming, I usually curl up in my recliner, turn on the TV and try to concentrate on the images and sounds, constantly telling myself that the spell will pass. Every few weeks, I will also have a horrible down day --- usually on Saturday or Sunday. Will feel depressed and uninterested in doing anything all day. Favorite actitivity on those days? Staring at the wall. Next day, I'll feel fine, ready to run a marathon. Well, at least the length of my driveway. Anyone else suffer from this maddening torture? How do you deal with it? WORK: My company recently set me up to telecommute from my home. My wife and I moved to the country in May. One of the deciding factors was the telecommuning. This may extend my career for a few years, but I expect to be forced to go on permanent disability at some point in the future. But considering that I am six years into this disease and that I still work full time (using a computer to write), still drive, and still have virtually complete freedom of movement when the drugs are working, I guess I'm doing all right. FOR SHEILA: I also have found Melatonin to be helpful with sleep. I take 3 mg. about two to three hours before I plan to hit the pillows. That usually allows me to sleep at least four or five hours. Of course, that means I''m awake at 3:00 a.m., playing with my computer, watching movies from the satellite dish, reading, or rearranging books, videos or furniture. FOR LISA CARPER: Tell me about NADH. I'm not familiar with it or with many alternative medicine approaches. What is it? What is it supposed to do? Where is it sold? FOR BRIAN COLLINS: I am very interested in seeing the "user guide" for taking medications in the optimum configuration. Unfortunatately, I cannot get into your files using the URL address you gave on October 27. Can you communicate it some other way? Or tell me the secret for getting into the address through the Internet? Thanks. I would love to hear from anyone who has had experiences or problems similar to mine. Look forward to future communications through this network. Regards, Stan Houston ([log in to unmask])