Paxil is an antidipressant - one of the Serotonin UPtake inhibitor type
... we've found with my dad that most of them made him like a zombie too
(even though they're not supposed to) . He's had problems with the depression
(he was diagnosed with that before PD - but now we think it was an early sign
of his PD ). His MD's have tried a number of antidepressants and while they
help a little none of them have brought complete relief.
Recently we wanted him switched to Mirapex cause he gets SOOO sick from
the SInemet - but his Neuro didn't want to change meds till the depression
/nausea was worked out ... but nothing changed. (Now he's on Serzone -
but he's been on Pamelor (a no-no for PD'ers ) , and Effexor in the passed).
So - after reading Margie's note on how Mirapex helped Dick's depression -
(and a consultation with the GP) we went back to the neuro - and he's on
Mirapex.
Its only week ONE - but let me tell you - this could be the MIRACle drug
for him. The depression is nearly gone - he's talking more - gets interested
in conversation /TV football food etc. (we're ALL going to gain weight now
that he's ASKING for food !). Its GREAT - almost like having my old dad back !
I should add that the nausea is gone too - even though he's still taking
a little Sinemet (1/2 tab three times).
His major symptoms was leg pain/cramps - posture and gait (no tremor) -
and the depression !
The hope is that with increased Mirapex - maybe he can cut back on both
the Sinemet AND the antidepressants !
So my answer would be TRY the Mirapex !
Donna
(daughter of PD dad 74/dg 1/97 - MIRAPEx /Sinemet)
>From: Parkinson's Information Exchange on behalf of Staley Mims
>Sent: Sunday, October 05, 1997 8:58 AM
>To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
>Subject: Paxil ? help!!
>
>On Sept. 30, my husband's neuro started him on Paxil for "serotonin reuptake
>inhibitor"; Staley 66/dx't 3 (believes he's had about 7 or 8 yrs) had been so
>sleepy all the time (every time he sat down, he would go to sleep, even while
>eating!.) So, he has been taking 1 20 mg. pill a day since then and has been
>even worse, like a zombie. All he does is sleep! Does anyone know anything
>about Paxil? I know I have seen it mentioned on this list, but don't
>remember anything about it since he was not taking it. I'm thinking of
>calling his neuro tomorrow, but was wondering if anyone else this response
>to Paxil. Do we just need to give it more time? His Dr. wanted to try Paxil
>for 3 wks. and then put him on Mirapex. Should we skip Paxil and go to
>Mirapex? We would appreciate any input on this. I would like to have my
>husband back! He has a little tremor but mostly Bradykinisia. He is very
>stooped over, very slow, can hardly be understood when talking, etc., but I
>would rather have that than this being like a zombie! Please, can anyone
>help?
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- Donna Bassolino-Klimas, Ph.D.
Bristol Myers Squibb Pharma. Res. Inst.
Department of Macromolecular Structure
P.O. Box 4000 Room H3812
Princeton, N.J. 08543 4000
(609) 252 4413
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