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Rhonda wrote: Hi. This is my first communication as a new member of this list or any internet exchange. I am 47 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson's about one year ago, after two years of uncertain diagnoses of multiple sclerosis and primary lateral sclerosis. Unfortunately, I have developed "variable response" syndrome with respect to the Sinemet. My current physician, a neurologist whose subspecialty is Parkinson's) tells me that it would have been preferable not to have begun my treatment with Sinemet because of the possibility of developing this very syndrome--hence the experiment with Mirapex ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Welcome to the list, Rhonda. Your story is a very familiar one. My husband was diagnosed with PD at age 40 and was immediately placed on Sinemet by a neurologist who didn't like to hear complaints from his patients. Jamie's response to the drug was almost immediate - he spent more time frozen than functional, and when he was functional he was dyskinetic. We finally found a doctor who added a number of agonists - including Symmetral and (when it hit the market) Eldepryl. Jamie stopped taking as much Sinemet - reserving the drug for evenings when he was home and could withstand the side-effects. Jamie suddenly found that he could function quite adequately without the burden of 'down time' and dyskinesis. Two years ago my husband began seeing a different neurologist. His present doctor believes that Sinemet is the best medicine for PD, so he encouraged my husband to 'up' the dose of that med after he started him on Mirapex. Although the therapy worked for a time, Jamie developed violent and dangerous dyskinesis. He had a terrible fall last year after developing severe dyskinesis. I insisted that our neuro decrease the Mirapex, siting my concern for my husband's safety. He finally agreed - but after three months we noticed that Jamie lost so much function that we've now increased the Mirapex. However, we are decreasing Sinemet to the point where he's now taking very little (400 mgm/day) - and we may decrease the dose even further. His dyskinesis is subsiding to some degree but he is moving better on a more consistent basis. My husband and I have come to realize that medications for PD are tools that must be individualized for his particular case (which, according to our neuro, is atypical). Considering that he has been able to function as a Chemist for 20 years, I don't think we've been off the mark. Just recently, I found myself viewing Sinemet as 'the enemy'. It is the single PD drug that has caused Jamie the most discomfort. Although I realize that a level of Sinemet must be reached and maintained for Jamie to function - I also believe that toxic levels can accumulate rapidly, thus causing discomfort. PD is *not* one disease. Ask each member of this list their symptoms and response to meds and you'll get in excess of 1400 different answers. Although the advice obtained here is important and timely, remember that the medication regimen that works for one person might not work for all. Again, welcome, and may you find comfort and peace participating with folks and their loved ones who share your diagnosis. ------ God bless Mary Ann Ryan (CG Jamie 60/40)