does medication, sinemet, prevent one for... - Cure Parkinson's

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does medication, sinemet, prevent one form driving and using heavy equiptment. how long till it takes effect and for side effecs to show

jimbo112 profile image
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jimbo112
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soup profile image
soup

Some medications can cause sudden onset sleep and until you are clear that this is not a side effect of that medication, in you at that dose, you may have to suspend your driving licence. Ropinerole is a key drug in that respect, but I don't think Sinemet is.

However, sleep apnea is common in people with Parkinson's as is intense fatigue, and disturbed sleep patterns at night. All of these make driving more dangerous if not addressed.

froggatt55 profile image
froggatt55

I have taken Sinemet for 7 years (dx 11 Years) and have had no problems with side effects. I take a cocktail of drugs Azilect 2MG once a day, Amantadine 100MG twice day, Requip 16MG Xl once a day and Sinemet 125/100 2 tablets four times a day. I take the first of my four cocktails at around 10.00 and then every four hours. I don't need to take them earlier because I always waken up "On". I can drive, as I did this morning before taking the drugs but never when I am "Off"

It can vary as to how long it takes for the drugs to kick in from 10 minutes to a hour

Coblrman profile image
Coblrman in reply tofroggatt55

I'm curious as to why your doctor prescribed 2mg of Azilect/day instead of 1mg.

jimbo112 profile image
jimbo112 in reply tofroggatt55

how old are you and do you still work

Coblrman profile image
Coblrman in reply tojimbo112

I am 56 and still work. I have a very low stress job and I work from home.

froggatt55 profile image
froggatt55 in reply toCoblrman

Avoiding Stress is very important for us PwP

froggatt55 profile image
froggatt55 in reply tojimbo112

Hi Jimbo - I am 70 at the end of July but age does not indicate anything of relevance - apart from the bureaucrats. I have been Diagnosed 11 years and strongly believe in Exercise. I started Boxing Training 4 months ago and now go twice a week. The intensity of it makes me feel great (after the tiredness initially) and has made both my strength and mobility so much better. I also do Circuit Training once a week plus Yoga plus looking after a big garden with my chainsaw, strimmer and lawnmower.

I am retired from my formal work but am so busy that I wonder how I ever fitted a career in LOL!!

I don't mean to brag simply to inform all PwP that you can lead a good full life with a positive attitude, your meds and lots of exercise

Kind regards

froggatt55 profile image
froggatt55

Sorry folks, I mistyped the dosage of Azilect - it is 1MG that I take not 2. Cobirman's questioning my dosage (thanks C) is very relevant because Research has proven that 1MG is far more effective than 2MG

Interestingly, when I started with Azilect in 2009, it was life changing - it seemed to make the Sinemet and Amantadine work so much better. It has remained so right up to the present moment.

I feel good in the mornings and afternoons but can get a dip in the mid evenings where I can even feel zombie like so the Neurologist agreed that I can take Dispersible Madopar in such an event - but I only take them if we have friends round or we are going out

Kind regards

Lillee76 profile image
Lillee76

froggatt55, I am 78 and have had PD since January 2013. I take Sinemet 3 times daily. I also have PMR

(muscle arthritis) and haven't been able to exercise for 12 years. When I was 60, I walked 4 miles a day and

worked out with a trainer 3 times a week. I miss exercise, but it is all I can do to do my housework and run

errands. Do you know of any exercises specifically for PWP?

Parkie1955 profile image
Parkie1955

I just picked up a chair yoga for senior citizens. It really gave me a workout and I felt safe the whole time!

Lestur profile image
Lestur

I took sinemet and had no problems driving. I've taken medication whilst driving but you must be aware of what is happening to your body and react accordingly. Be prepared to let someone else drive if unsureyou'll be able top drive the car/vehicle safely.

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