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I'm a 63-year-old physician and it's been four years since my PD diagnosis. Fortunately, in my case the symptoms are progressing slowly. They are currently well-controlled with Eldepryl, Symmetryl, Mirapex, assorted supplements, Tai Chi and meditation. One symptom I'd like your input on is heartburn. It's been a continuing problem.
The firsthand experience of the people on this list is invaluable. I'm interested in hearing from anyone with PD who has taken Tagamet (Cimetidine) to control heartburn. What was your experience? Does anyone know of any research on the worsening of PD symptoms following the use of Tagamet?
Some background: We know that heartburn is a side effect of many PD drugs. In my case it's only partially controlled with TUMS. Tagamet has been recommended, but a colleague said that he'd read somewhere that Tagamet can have an adverse effect on Parkinson's. He recommended a course of Prilosec instead.
I've checked the PD archives concerning Tagamet but have found only one hint of a problem with insomnia and a statement from Zippo Bilbrok (5/5/96) stating, "It is known that Tagamet can cause neurological symptoms. Patients with PD may find that they have an increase in symptoms while on this drug." I've also spoken with the manufacturer (Smith-Kline-Beecham) who did a search but turned up nothing in the research literature to indicate any problem with Tagamet and PD. The PDR only talks about reversible confusional states, anxiety, and hallucinations predominantly in severely ill patients (with no reference to PD).
As always, thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Leonard Zunin, M.D. 63/59