 |
 |
Betty M... FYI.... I've had the ol "Parkie Sleepyhead Syndrome" for several years, tho perhaps not QUITE as bad as your hubby. I also was prescribed Paxil right after my Oct. 1994, pallidotomy by Dr. Robert Iacono of Loma Linda University Med Center, the neurosurgeon and movement disorder specialist who performed my surgery. I was instructed to take HALF of one 20 mg tablet (bubble gum pink tablets) with my initial meds of the day. I've continued to take a 1/2 tablet of Paxil daily, and while my ability to fall asleep during the daytime and early evening at the drop of the proverbial hat remains unchanged by the addition of the 1/2 Paxil, it didn't become any WORSE when I added that drug to the daily Sinemet and vitamins I take. Betty, m'dear... keep in mind that for every 100 people with Parkinson's there's 100 people with SOME of the same symptoms and lots more with symptoms that are particular to THEM, only. These symptoms may be similar to those had by other PWP's but there's still a difference amongst us when it comes to PD symptoms. Based upon that, a physician prescribing any particular PD-related drug can only make an educated GUESS at what dose is right for each PWP he or she may be treating. I won't say prescribing drug dosages for PD is a total shot in the dark for the average MD, but sometimes it ain't far off! And it's been my experience that a really "Parkinson's savvy" MD is aware of the person-to-person differences and encourages the Parkie (and/or caregiver) to do some experimenting in the dosage of certain PD-related drugs they take till they find what works the best for the INDIVIDUAL.. Based upon that you might consider bringing Staley down to 1/2 Paxil each day and see if he's able to stay awake for longer periods of time, If not all day. Should his condition remain unchanged after a few days on the lower dose, think about giving him 1/3 a tablet each day. Finally, the ONE thing that CAN keep me awake in the late afternoon and early evening is by being PHYSICALLY BUSY _AND_ if possible, MENTALLY active. By being physically busy AWAY from home is an even better way of staying awake 'cause I know I'm unable to sleep while, say, walking thru a mall or marketing. I may not be at my sharpest while doing that, but I AM awake and I DO eventually perk up once again as the drowsiness passes. Also, I find that if I take an hour's rest (and for some reason if I KNOW I have to get up in an hour, I may doze a bit, but can't fall asleep, no matter HOW groggy I may be when I lie down), making SURE to set my alarm and FORCE myself to get up in an hour, I DO benefit from the rest just as much as if I'd had a 3 hour nap. I have no doubt there's a message in that - just don't know what it is. Please keep us posted on how Staley's doing. And m'dear... don't forget to take some time for yourself 'cause YOU are important, too. Huggles to ya... Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] ---------- 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? Thanks, Betty (wife of Staley)