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Donna, I am the same age as your Dad, but I was diagnosed in 1953 and have had these many years to deal with medications. I would advise that anyone with Parkinson try a different doctor if none of the meds are really improving the quality of life. But it is important to give each new drug you try at least a fair trial of at least two weeks or even more unless there is a drastic toxicity to it. If Sinemet doesn't help at all, then a second opinion from a Neuro who is a Movement Disorder specialist is a must.. A doctor who is willing to listen, take time and discuss the medication regimen is vastly important in the treatment of PD. All Neuros are certainly not the same. But it is also important that the patient help the doctor by being aware of the results of his dosages and keeping a careful record of the reactions to inform his doctor . Otherwise the doctor is working in a vacuum. Every patient should take an advocate with him into the doctor's office to make sure the information is getting back and forth between doctor and patient correctly and for remembering details. As for ever considering a "drug holiday" I would strongly advise against it unless a competent neuro advises it and then it should be done in the hospital under proper supervision. Hope this helps. Medication management is the name of the game in the present situation with PD and each patient needs an informed, interested and helpful doctor for guidance. Bev