My neurologist wants me to go to Madopar CR instead of just Madopar, I'm a bit dubious - has anyone had experience with this drug ? Thanks.

[kirleyvall]

[shakingaj]

I imagine that it is similar to the Sinemet / Sinemet CR drugs. CR = controlled release- it's slower to kick in but lasts longer. I've been using the Sinemet version for 5 years. What is your concern?

[kirleyvall in reply to shakingaj]

Thank you shakingaj, I have read of bad side effects in the past, but

believe new formula better. Just apprehensive starting new medication

and wondering how other people found it. Thanks again. Val

[Sorab]

Dear Kirleyvall,

CR stands for Constant Release which is much better then regular Tablets. I would recommend you to use Sinemet Plus which is widely used and recommended by Physicians & Doctors.

[kirleyvall in reply to Sorab]

Thank you Sorab for replying. Unfortunately I was taken offSinemet as

it caused a rash straight away, and put on Madopar. Thanks. Val

[pops007]

Dear Kirleyvall

I have been on Madopar 250mg for the past 9 years. Twice during this period my neurologist suggested that I try Madopar CR. In both cases the experiment failed because I did not respond to the CR version at all – in fact, I freezed more than ever before whist taking it. What works for one person may not work for another. Who knows, perhaps you respond very well to the CR version. Best of luck.

[kirleyvall in reply to pops007]

pops007 thanks for replying. I had to take one less Madopar recently

and found my shaking improved. Think I will just have to suck it and

see with Madopar, so thankyou again, Val

[PatV]

I take sinimet and half a sinimet CR to prevent early wearing off. I have to be careful with it because taken too early I get violent dyskinesia. but if I take it before I have to go somewhere or exercise, it's very effective. I've had pd symptoms 11 years and on sinimet 8 years. I found taking the sinimet CR alone very undependable. It all depends on your absorption which takes place in the small intestine.

[kirleyvall in reply to PatV]

Thanks for replying PatV, again v. interesting re the timing, hope that

I can work out something similar with madopar CR. My thanks, Vsl

[ozepook47]

SInemet CR and Madopar CR are long-acting versions of Sinemet and Madopar. They are designed to release the active ingredient, l-dopa, in a manner that would give you an even release and blood level over a sustained period of time (4-6 hours). But when you take them, it takes longer for the drug to be released and so the effectiveness of the drug is reduced especially the onset of action. So, if you take a CR tablet in the morning when you get up, you should also be taking one of the regular Sinemet/ Madopar tablets of the appropriate strength your doctor has prescribed. This will give you a more rapid onset of l-dopa and by the time the regular tablet has worn off, the CR tablet should have kicked in and, theoretically, you may not have to have as many tablets as you were taking during the day. That's the theory...but it doesn't always work in practice. You may have to experiment before you find what suits you best.

Controlled release products release levodopa over a longer period (4–6 hours) but have a lower oral bioavailability than conventional products.

They may improve end-of-dose motor fluctuations in people with diminishing response to levodopa; may also be useful for nocturnal off-periods or early morning akinesia.

Conventional product may still be required for the first dose in the morning because of its faster onset of action. Importantly, the CR versions should not be cut or crushed as this defeats the purpose of the tablet design. You may get a sudden release of the l-dopa which may give you adverse effects.

Food reduces the absorption of levodopa:

* it may be given with food initially if GI effects are a problem

*to minimise fluctuations in later stages of the disease it may be better to give it on an empty stomach

* if possible, separate any protein supplements or protein foods from levodopa administration and monitor for any change in symptoms. Protein will delay absorption of l-dopa.

Madopar Dispersible tablets may be useful for a rapid response, particularly in early morning inertia or before meals if swallowing is difficult. I don't think Sinemet make a dispersible tablet.

There is a new long-acting formulation being released soon (I am not sure when or who the manufacturer is) that apparently may even increase the intervals between doses.

[kirleyvall in reply to ozepook47]

ozepook47, thank you so much for all the information in your reply., I

will read, mark and learn. Appreciate your help, thanks, Val

[judam9]

i just wanted to take the time to thank each any everyone for commenting on many things i didn't know about Parkinson's . in the last couple of weeks i heard about soy with PARKINSON'S. i wasn't aware of that. my eye doctor gave me a over the counter med for helping with the eyes. once i i took it on an empty stomach because i was fasting for a blood test. shortly after i was feeling nauseated. and didn't know why. the next time i took the pill, i had eaten, and also threw -up. i then read with a magnifying glass that it contained soy. i never would have put that tog. if someone hadn't mentioned it. so now my stomach is happy again.

the other think i didn't know about shaking on the inside. i thought it was just nerves. uh ah! it was the Parkinson's . so many things over the years have been of great help to me. thanks for all your help.

judam 9

[llwwd in reply to judam9]

judam9

Thank you judam9 for taking the time to say what I have been thinking. If there was a "like" button I would be hitting it over & over again.

Thanks everyone.

LLWWD

[Janew]

I take ordinary Madopar through the day and Madopar CR at night to help me get through a few hours. Then at around 4 am I take Madopar dispersible to act quickly and get me through the rest of the night . It seems to work fairly well.