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"You can't keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen Paree" and that's the way I feel about Sinemet. in any form. It makes you feel so good in the honeymoon phase that you never want to go back to feeling as lousyas I felt pre-Sinemet. Maybe others see it differently, or maybe they have more self discipline than I have, but I would have found it hard to give it up at any time after I started. I was over prescribed in the beginning (25/100 4x/day and have now reduced my meds to 1/2 pill (25/100 4x/day plus permax (and of course, eldypril). But I would not have started with it if I knew then what I know now. Its a quick way to a diagnosis, but the long range dangers are too real. . As I read what I have wrote, I realize that I still have the mind-set that my neurologist tells me is not quite accurate but cannot explain in any other way than the way I explain it. That is: there is a finite amount of levodopa available to each PWP. If you take more in the beginning it can help you less later when you need it most. I know that Sinemet is effective for some people longer than for others--so perhaps finite amount is not the right phrase, but it still seems very "predetermined". Anyone else feel that way--or is able to to explain it better? Rick Hermann wrote: > Hi List, > > I've received a lot of feedback from listmembers about starting out > treatment (46/2 months) with Sinemet (CR 50/200 once a day). My > neuruologist explained it as: let's see if you respond to anti-Parkinson > meds, and a trial course of Sinemet (1 month) is the quickest test route. > If you do, we'll get you off the Sinemet and onto other meds more > appropriate for your age and level of disease. > > My question, in response to cautionary advice, is: will one month's worth > of Sinemet have significant negative effects? Should I go back to the neuro > asap and say Hey! Let's go another route NOW. The neuro-suggested course--a > 1-month test--makes sense to me, but I am listening to advice from this > wonderful group with wide-open ears and a commitment to my own well-being. > > Meanwhile, thanks for the info on finding a MDS. I have good leads in the > Seattle area. > > Best, > > Rick > Bellingham, WA > where the crocuses are up