Hi folks - I have been asked by my neuro at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) to be further evaluated for participation in this study. As I am woefully behind in reading all my PD digests, I may have missed postings on this, except for Stephan's posting belong. The question is should I try this or not. Anecdotal experiences welcomed. I'm scheduled to go in Monday to determine my suitability further. I will be happy to post my experiences too. I think my last posting concerned my attempt to change agonists from Parlodel to Mirapex. It has not been an easy road to hoe - I've gone through the excessive dyskinesia stage, and have found increased rigidity to be a problem. For the first time, I've had trouble sleeping due to discomfort from rigidity. Taking my cue from David ?, I think I am licking this problem by taking all my dosages (.5 mgs, total 1.5 mgs) earlier in the day - now basically pre- breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Also, I have not been able to successfully reduce my Sinemet but rather am finding that a full 5 25/100 have provided the best ongoing result (I previously took 4-5 with 4 predominating). Re: Udall - We did it. We really did it! What next miracle can we wrought? Hats off to Jim, Joan, Margaret, Barbara S., et al. I loved Jim's description of his "signing: trip. A foot soldier in Kansas. Barb Barbara Blake-Krebs (57, dx 1984) [log in to unmask] Merriam, KS, USA (ltr after F is cap "i") >> Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 15:14:37 -0400 > From: Stephan Schwartz <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Drug Trials -Reply > > On 10/24 Brian Collins wrote: > >>>. . . Remacemide . . . drug trials in the U.S. . . . . anyone > taking part in a trial?<<< > Hi Brian: > One of the 10+ centers conducting a clinical trial of > remacemide hydrocholride is The Columbia-Presbyterian > Medical Center in NYC. The study will last 6 weeks. > Researchers report that this medication inhibits the > glutamine cells of the basel ganglia (the center of motor > control of the brain). Researchers are trying to determine if > remacemide can alleviate the typical "wearing off" effect after > the optimum dosage of the medication has passed peak > dose. > Glutamate is an amino acid which causes nerve cells in > the brain to be more active. PWP experience a decrease of > dopamine in the brain which causes increased activity in the > subthalamic nucleus. The increase in neural activity in turn > causes tremor, and stiffness. Researchers believe that > increased glutamate activity may be toxic to nerve cells. > Remacemide is considered a glutamate antagonist which > will block the glutamate effect and thereby enhance the > levodopa effect. > Patients chosen for the study must be sensitive enough > to their condition that they can differentiate between an on or > off period while on levodopa. > I will not be participating in any study. Good luck. > Stephan 53/7