Taper off Sinement prior to DaTsacan?

[Martha2]

Hi! Has anyone heard of tapering off Sinemet (Carbidopa / Levodopa) prior to taking a DaTscan? I can’t find anything in the documentation that says this is necessary however I have conflicting information from 2 Neurologists one saying I need too the other that says it is not necessary. Thank you in advance!

[NanCyclist]

I did not change my Sinemet for the Dat scan.

[FMundo]

I was instructed NOT to take Carbo/Levo before my DatScan. There you have it some say yes, some say no. Reassuring to know that all our Neurologists are on the same page on this.

[Hikoi]

It seems there are some meds you must stop but sinemet isnt on this list.

uwmedicine.org/health-libra...

[etterus]

I was not instructed to alter my meds at all.

[Martha2]

Thank you all for all your comments! From what I read there is a lot of uncertainty about the test itself, and if you should or should not take any dopamine replacement meds. I found a few studies that said their needs to be more research if taking dopamine interferes with the test or not, so far there is inconsistency in the test results. Thank you for your help!

[Bailey_Texas]

Why the datscan if Sinemet works you most likely have PD.