Jeff,
You wrote:
> Becky, not paying attention, just took twice her usual dosage of 50/200 CR
> Sinemet. Does anyone have any idea of the affect on one who does this?
>
> Thank you.
> Jeff part time CG for Becky, 52/16
>
Jeff, on June 6th. '98 Margaret Tuchman took her entire day's Sinemet
at one go and here is her posting the following day...........
Margaret wrote:
God, what a HIGH!!! I don't know if it is the 750m mg of regular
Sinemet or knowing that YOU CARING & WONDERFUL people are out there.
WOW!!
I am ok- spoke to the doctor, pharmacist and checked internet. One
does not need to worry below 1500 mg. I am woozy, dizzy and a bit
nauseous.
My husband, Marty, prepared a plate full of PROTEiN and for the 1st
time in years, I ate protein during the day.
The reason I took 7.5 pills (10/100s) all at once is because I'm
taking liquid sinemet trying to titrate my dose carefully - looking
for that magical balanced line between decreasing sinemet and
increasing Tasmar.
Love you ALL!!!
Margaret
Now Jeff, that said, you should still read this next post from
Margaret & Gail Vass on the same subject:
Dear List Friends,
Again, I want to thank everyone who responded to my urgent call for
help on Saturday when I mistakenly took 750 mg of regular Sinemet. I
do have a reasonable (somewhat) explanation of how "it" happened,
though I did enjoy reading some of the less serious comments
questioning my basic math skills.
I dissolve my daily dose of Sinemet into 1000 ml orange juice or Tang
and take 100 ml of the mixture every 2 hours. Since Marty was home,
he took over the job of mixing and apportioning the mixture into 10
bottles. I did not know
that he had not finished the process and when I went to take my
drink, I mistakenly gulped down the undiluted mixture. When he
realized what I had done, he screamed a lot but also fixed me peanut
butter sandwiches and milk. I called my doctor - away on vacation,
and spoke with a neuro-resident on duty. After explaining to him the
theory behind liquid Sinemet, he thought I should have my stomach
pumped. He asked if I have a history of cardiac, blood pressure, or
liver problems. I don't! He also said that I will probably
experience dyskinesias and nausea. Since he could not proscribe
medication, he suggested I call my GP and get Compazine for nausea.
The pharmacist told me that taking1500 mg of Sinemet would be cause
for real concern.
Observations and Questions:
1/ It is nice to be able to eat protein during the day and it is
wonderful not to have to take medication every two hours.
2/ I had NO dyskinesias, until 7 hours after taking the meds, when I
had minor end-of-dose dk. just before I started to tremor and I knew
I needed more Sinemet. How come?
3/ I felt good, I had energy - I was high! I was able to work,
shop, garden.
4/ I am told that I was "not my usual self" (?) - my speech was
slurred, I was slow in my thinking. This is opposite to what I
felt. I suppose that the feeling of euphoria is quite common when
taking cocaine, or other stimulants?
5/ if the half life of regular Sinemet is approx. 2 hours, how come
I had a 7 hour free ride? Is the therapeutic effect cumulative?
6/ since 750 mg lasted 7 hours, does that mean that I really need
100 mg per hour and basically I am always under medicated? Hello,
Brian???
7/ what role does Tasmar play in this equation? I've been
taking 300mg per day and had cut my Sinemet from 1100 to 750. But,
the last week I was not holding the "ON" for the two hours. I was
given the advice that perhaps cutting the Tasmar in half would extend
the ON. I really had no chance to give this alternative a proper
trial yet. Another complication has arisen, I am having the "Tasmar
Runs" and from what I understand, once that side effect happens,
there are only two alternatives, cut back on the Tasmar or stop
taking it.
8/ While I felt really fine the day of the OD, I was a rag the day
after and even most of the day today. I am tired and slow moving,
though I get plenty of rest in the bathroom/WC/loo.
So, dear comrades - take my experience and see what we can learn.
A health professional, List member, caring friend wrote the
following:
Date: Sat, 06 Jun 1998 20:13:25 -0400
From: Gail Vass <[log in to unmask]>
To: Margaret <[log in to unmask]>
Margaret,
I'm on the Digest form of the PD list so I just received your URGENT
message...I did get to see your call for help, others responses and
your note getting back to the group saying what action you had taken.
I must admit as a nurse I had some concerns about you posting such a
note althought I certainly understand why you utilized this resource.
I hope you don't take this as criticism of you or of what you did in
posting it to the list but I thought that this would be an opportunity
to discuss emergencies and this list.
Something along the line of:
Subject:
When you have a potential overdose
Always call your Doctor..
Always call your Pharmacist
Always call the Poison Control Center
Call 911 when you think you may have an emergency.
Always remember your local Emergency Room.
When you have a potential overdose, chest pain, or a bad fall seek
emergency medical treatment. This list should never be relied on for
emergencies. You may not be conscious to read the replies and waiting
for replies could cause a serious delay in treatment.. And even the
most well intentioned replies may not be medically sound advise. Some
delays in treatment can have serious consequences.
Some poisons SHOULD NOT be vomited back up. Some sudden sharp pain may
be the only warning you get. Some replies may be incorrect.
I'm just looking at this as an opportunity to remind and caution
people...what are your thoughts?
A big hug,
Gail
[log in to unmask]
DOB: 1941/Dx: 1980/Cured:ASAP
Slogans wont do it/Hard work will
So Jeff, do not panic. Take Gail's advice please and once again, do
the following..........
When you have a potential overdose
Always call your Doctor..
Always call your Pharmacist
Always call the Poison Control Center
Call 911 when you think you may have an emergency.
Always remember your local Emergency Room.
I wish you and Becky all the best.........Murray 53/4
[log in to unmask]
