Bom dia Joao: You asked: >>> Joao Paulo Carvalho <[log in to unmask]> 05/21/98 04:38pm >>> >>>I used to take levodopa and eldepryl and notice to appear minor side effects such as dry mouth , slight blurred vision and minor miction problem . I quit eldepryl and these symptoms disappeared . Have you ever did suspend or done a holiday on eldepryl ?<<< >>>You take as you had described previously quite a mix of drugs and supplements.Don't you believe it is very hard to pin point how each one do interfere with each other in your case ? And which are really doing your improvements ?<<< Joao: 1. ELDEPRYL - My first PD med, seven years ago, was 5mg Eldepryl daily. This was increased to 5mg twice a day, later Sinemet CR was added three times a day. During the entire time I used Eldepryl as monotherapy I do not recall any side effects from Eldepryl. When I added Sinemet CR I began to experience the adverse effect of vivid dreams and nightmares. Because each PWP lives a singular lifestyle it is difficult to generalize about side effects/adverse effects of a particular med on the universe of PWPs. Last year I read a study that found the beneficial effects of Eldepryl (enhancing the effect of dopamine and neuroprotection) could be attained at 20mg per seven days. I then cut my Eldepryl to 5mg daily. The vivid dreams and nightmares ceased. I am considering reducing my weekly intake of Eldepryl, just as soon as I design a weekly dosage schedule. For the past two months I have been experimenting with a reduction in my daily intake of Sinemet CR (timing vs. dosage). 2. OTHER DRUGS/SUPPLEMENTS - I have supplemented my daily food intake with vitamins and supplements since I was 7 years old. First my parents gave me daily vitamins. Later, in my teens, when I developed an interest in sports and physical fitness, I added supplements to my training diet. Over the years I have gained an insight into the effectiveness and benefits of various vitamins and minerals. For instance: Zinc to improve the immune system (Zinc is important to maintain vitamin E in the blood); Potassium to maintain muscles and water balance in the cells; vitamin C aids in the production of red blood cells and fights infection; vitamin E promotes efficient use of oxygen by muscles; B vitamins (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6 & B-12) help to maintain the nervous system, metabolism, energy, improve blood circulation. I believe all the above benefits are uncontradicted. As I got older and became aware of the toxic effects of the environment, I increased my daily intake of vitamins and minerals to obtain the beneficial antioxidant effects attributed to various vitamins and minerals. These included, Selenium, Beta Carotene, Choline, and Folic Acid. Food supplements included Garlic & Ginseng. Lecithin replaced Choline and Wheat germ was tried and rejected because of an allergic reaction. Over the years I have started and stopped some vitamins, minerals and supplements because of adverse effects: royal jelly, calcium, B-12. So, when I started experiencing PD symptoms I had years of personal experience to consult concerning how vitamins, minerals and food supplements affect my daily health. Generally, I avoid taking too many vitamins, minerals or supplements at any one meal. I spread out my doses over a 12 hour period. I postpone much of my protein intake to the late afternoon and evening. Some vitamins, etc. I take less than daily. I try to take synergistic (work in combination) vitamins, etc. together (C & E, B-6 & Potassium) and avoid taking vitamins, etc. with other substances that block their effectiveness (antibiotics, caffeine, aspirin, iron & vitamin E together). As a result I believe I am sensitive to changes in my body. I monitor my intake of vitamins, etc. and any physiologic changes carefully. Stephan 53/7