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Ann, For what it's worth, I have been on Sinemet since 2/14/91 and seriously doubt I'd be here without it - or the generic. I was in a MAO-highly selectiveB inhibitor test program which was generally a flop, but it did no harm. I've been on selegiline since late 1992. Selegiline [Eldepryl] gives me a boost, but the neuro-protective properties do not apply to me based upon PET scans which show disease progression. Agonists are just that, i.e., helpers. Don't send a boy to do a man's job. Send a gentle man to do a boy's job. Low doses of Sinemet do wonders, but don't overdo it. I also take entacapone [drug trial since June 1994] and find that it helps the Sinemet. Will Johnnston A.P.D.A. DelMarVA Chapter Pres. 4049 Oakland School Road Salisbury MD 21804 USA 410-543-0110 ---------- From: serenityplus <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Switching meds--info please? Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 10:16 PM Hi, I've been in the TEMPO study, which is a drug study for an MAO type B inhibitor, much like Selegiline. I've been on open label with the dose still blinded; also, I'm taking Mirapex, barely 1.5 mg/day (had some dose limiting side effects, like sleepiness, but no orthostatic hypotension. I've haven't gotten a good response to Mirapex, and I feel, much as I would like to put off Sinemet (I'm 54, diag. a year ago, probably had it from about '89) that my symptoms are really getting in my way: tremor is essential, not resting, so it's not a problem, but the inability to do much with my right hand, and dragging my right side is getting to be too much. I'm concerned that trying another agonist like Requip will take forever (My titration experience with Mirapex was VERY LONG) and may not do any more, and may cause problems for nothing. I've read that it takes weeks or even months to get an adequate response from agonists. I've taken Mirapex, albeit in small increasing doses, since last Sept. and it hasn't done much. I suppose the PD could be outpacing the therapy also. Q: Does Sinemet take long to show a response? How tough is it to come off Mirapex (though maybe I shouldn't). Any strategies coming to mind on handling starting generic carbadopa/levodopa with/without Mirapex? I would be grateful for any response. Thanks! Ann