--------- Begin forwarded message ---------- From: [log in to unmask] (Ivan Suzman) To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: PD or PD+ /Sinemet Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 13:06:51 PST ////////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Hello Listmembers! Frequently, new listmembers ask about the TIMING of the medications they either take , or as caregivers, give to their family members who are PWP's. BEFORE-MEAL TIMING IS SO ESSENTIAL for our L-dopa medications to work!!!! I am inserting an edited portion of what I sent the l ist on Mon, Feb, 17, about taking Sinemet 30 minutes BEFORE meals, because this TIMING is REALLY so very important. I think this is identical to Brian Collins "food trick," posted for us today. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ On Mon, 17 Feb 1997 12:01:48 -0500 Doug & Carole Price writes: > I am a caregiver for my Mom who lives with my family. > >Her medications are: >Sinemet (.5 1/2 per day; 25/100; Parkinson's) > 8 am - 1 1/2 ; 12 pm - 1 1/2; 4 pm - 1 1/2; 8 p ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Hi from Maine! Carole, the one thing that JUMPED out at me is the 8am-12pm-4pm-8pm Sinemet schedule that your mom is on. This is almost certainly NOT going to work optimally. In my support group (Greater Portland, Maine), we discuss this issue over and over with nearly EVERY new member. Sinemet is frequently blocked by proteins (meat, fish, legumes, peanut butter, eggs, poultry) in many (but not all) Persons With Parkinsons (PWP's). Some doctors ignore this. Here in Portland, we suggest trying Sinemet about 30 MINUTES BEFORE MEALS, and with orange juice or apple or cranberry juice. On this before-meal schedule, mobility and cognitive skills improve DRAMATICALLY in some cases. Please try to avoid giving your mom Sinemet on a full stomach, and please consider reducing the protein and elevating the CARBOHYDRATES in her meals. ///////////(end edited copy)\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Hope this helps--it works for me--would welcome comments--- Ivan Suzman 47/10 Portland, Maine land of lighthouses