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---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "will johnston" <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Sinemet vs Sinemet Cr Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 09:56:41 -0400 ---------- > From: CAthy Bradley <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Sinemet vs Sinemet Cr > Date: Sunday, June 15, 1997 4:06 PM > > Can anyone of you wonderful folks please explain the difference > Between Sinemet and Sinemt CR? I know that Sinemet CR is time > released, but beyond that, are the drugs equal? Dear Cathy: Sinemet CR is simply regular Sinemet packed in a tighter tablet which will disolve more slowly. The two are equal chemically, but the delay in disolving by the CR will allow a substantial portion of the medication to pass through the small intestine unabsorbed. Thus more CR is required for same effectiveness. >My neurologist has > put me on a trial of the Sinemet CR for one month. I am > still experiencing down tme between doses (something I presumed would be > gone...)The medication still needs to be taken every 4 or 5 hours; and > it takes a considerably longer period of time for my first dose to "kick > in". CR is often considered to be a convenince form of medication. Many use a combination of the two. A morning stat with Sinemet will get the body "perking," and a CR shortly thereafter will kick in slowly and give a longer up time. >The financial factor is that the monthly increase for the month > is an added $120.00. My doctor does not seem to be a great help to me > when I ask for his advice. Any advice? > Mary G. You can get the same results from the regular Sinemet [or generic] as from the CR if you are willing and able to take medication more often, many times taking only a portion of a regular Sinemet at times. [Just got to the bottom of a generic Sinemet bottle and found many halfs and thirds of tablets.] For greater control and LOTS MORE INCONVENIENCE use liquid Sinemet which involves a daily grinding and mixing on your part. Regular Sinemet is powdered by you in a cup [a knife handle makes a good crusher] and mixed with CocaCola or other non-diet soft drink. The mixture is then divided into doses to equal your total daily prescription, and then taken in sips over the period of a day.