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Actually, your doctor is utilizing the most current formulation for treatment. Most specialists now advocate using agonists early and as the "primary" drug of choice. As the symptoms progress, and when more control is needed for daily living, Sinemet is then added in the lowest dose possible. This course of treatment helps to delay, minimize and, for some, seems to even eliminate future side effects of long-term, high-dose Sinemet use. You also asked about the use of Sinemet to help diagnose PD in an individual. It is accepted that if Sinemet helps to lessen the severity of symptoms in an individual thought to have Parkinson's disease, this is additional proof the person does indeed have PD. However, this isn't a "test" that is regularly used by specialists in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. It's typically not needed to make the diagnosis. Lastly, please don't compare yourself or your treatment with anyone else. Each person with Parkinson's disease is an individual and their treatments are very much individualized. Luckily, there are many different options and combinations that can be tried as the years go by and symptoms appear or progress. Jeanne Lee-Rosner Associate Director of Educational Programs Parkinson's Disease Foundation ----- Original Message ----- From: Sherry Macredes <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Monday, November 29, 1999 12:20 PM Subject: Question on Mirapex > Dear Experts.. > > I am new to PD and need more info on meds to keep my neuro on his toes! I > have been using Mirapex alone since dx in early Aug. After a long battle of > increases I am now up to 4.5MG per day with no positive results. Now my > neuro wants to keep me at this level for the next four weeks to be sure there > is no improvement before trying something else. After reading the posts on > the list over the last few weeks, it seems strange to me. How can I be sure > it's really PD? Shouldn't I have been given some sinemet to see if I > improved to be sure of dx? Don't most people need more than one medication, > should I give up on Mirapex before adding something to it? It's all very > confusing....not to mention depressing. Thanks for your input, > > > Sherry > 49/48/43 >