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Tolcapone is a COMT (catechol-o-methyl transferase) inhibitor. COMT is a natural enzyme that destroys dopamine, still the key factor in PD. A newer variant, Entacapone, having fewer adverse effects, is in development. J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks CA 91403 On Sat, 7 Dec 1996, Brian C.Black wrote: > Help, I feel like a blindfolded guineu pig! > I have just signed on to the first stage of an experiment with a drug > called Tolcopone and I would be very greatful for any info on this drug. I > know it has been successfully administered to about 800 people in doses up > to 800 mg,. I am also aware of some potential side-effects such as > diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and nausea. > This first stage is just a daily diary to see if I am suitable for the > experiment. It's a " double-blind (as in "blindfolded guinea pig!"), > randomized, crossover study in patients treated with Prolopa or Senemet who > exibit end of dose wearing off." I accepted the role of gineau pig because > I trust my neuro, it sounds like an ideal drug for me, and most of all, > because I'm desperate. My offs have become more frequent , longer , and > more intense recently, and this seemed like a ray of hope in this dark > tunnel we call Parkinson's. > The study is being carried out by Hoffman-LaRoche and medical staff with > 150 patients in 20 sites accross Canada. The purpose is to find out how > effective this drug is in prolonging the effects of Senemet. Sounds good > to me, but I have this nagging doubt: If it's so good, why has it never > shown up her on the network? Or has it ? What am I getting into? > Any info would be appreciated. > Brian Black >