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-->>>>>>> Next Section <<<<<<< Content-Type: Text/Plain; charset=US-ASCII I was in the Pramipexole study for three years and have answered ongoing questions to the best of my ability. Now that the study is over and the seal has been broken on the protocol, I can relate a little bit more. In Phase I (Double-blind, placebo controled) I was on the real stuff. As it turns out, there were actually four experimental groups, each receiving a different dosage. It turns out that I was receiving the lowest dosage (1.5 MG). During the wash out period between Phase I and Phase II (where everyone gets the real stuff) I essentially became a basket case. I needed constant care. (NOTE: during the washout period I was taking NO PD meds at all). For Phase II my condition remained about the same for 2 and 1/2 years and then started getting a bit worse. This means that the Pramipexole was doing a pretty good job of aleviating the symptoms since I'm sure my condition degenerated during that period (also my neurologoist's assessment). My overall impression of the diffreence the Pramipexole made was a 20-25% increase in the baseline (which approximates the reported 20% increase for all actrive participants). I experienced NO side-effects, but this is probably due to the fact that I was on the lowest trial dosage. My only other experience with a dopamine agonist was less than 6 months on bromocriptine. I had to discontinue it to participate in the Ropinerol study (Phase I only). I am fairly certain that I was receiving the placebo then. As far as I can remember the experience, I would say that Mirapex is better than bromocriptine. In summation, Pramipexole works for me, and I will be switching over to Mirapex this week (the shipment was received Friday). I will report furhter if my neurologist (who was one of the investigators) increases my dosage. Those who are starting fresh on Mirapex will probably have a four week break-in period before they titrate up to the level I am at. Bruce 55/9 Sinemet CR and Mirapex