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Since I went off Mirapex last week I have spent every afternoon in an
unparalleled state of profound fatigue and drowsiness.  I feel like I've
missed an entire week of my life dozing off and on and never fully awakening
between times.

In an effort to break the chains of this fatigue, I've been racking my brain
to think of possible ways - short of going back on Mirapex (which DID stop
much of the fatigue, but it's negative side effects were awful).  A coupla
thoughts made it thru the brain-fog and I'd like to run 'em by the List for
input...

A thoughtful List-Sis emailed me suggesting I try Amantadine as that drug is
used by persons with MS to combat the fatigue THAT disease causes it's
victims.  I know that Amantadine IS used by PWP, but that's about ALL I know
about it (other than I know it's an anti-viral rather than a dopamine based
drug).  Does anyone here use Amantadine to combat PD-caused fatigue, or has
anyone using Amantadine in lieu of Sinemet noticed they has less or no
PD-caused fatigue?

The following may be off-the-wall as far as being related to PD fatigue, but I
thought I'd run it by ya all anyway just in case it DOES help in fatigue
management.

While expecting my second child 29 years ago I developed tremendous fatigue.
My OB said that was because I was urinating so much (like all expectant
mothers!) and losing potassium - which is stored in the kidneys - each time I
went to the bathroom.

The OB prescribed a potassium supplement and within 36 hours of my initial
dose, I felt not only fine, but full of energy!

For the past several years I could be solely responsible for global
deforestation because of the amount of TP I use each day due to frequency of
urination.  It follows that I MUST be continuously losing vast amounts of
potassium  (if indeed I have any left to lose, what with all the time I spend
going back 'n forth to the bathroom each day!).

Has anyone here on the List had potassium studies done, and/or takes potassium
for reasons other than fatigue but notices they don't/didn't have profound
daily fatigue?

FYI - I have a neuro appointment scheduled on the 17th (NOT a movement
disorder specialist and NOT one I've ever gone to before) <groaning> at Kaiser
and have a complete physical scheduled with my primary care MD on Dec. 3.  I'd
like to go armed to both with as much information as possible.

Thanks a lot....

Barb Mallut
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