SINEMET ER OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

[RS313]

LOOKS LIKE MY PHARMACY GAVE ME THE WRONG MEDICATION.DR PRESCRIBED IMMEDIATE RELEASE AND I GOT ER. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE AND WILL IT MAKE ME FEEL BETTER WITH THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

HE ALSO UPPED MY DOSE FROM 25/100 3 X DAY TO 1 1/2 PILLS 3 TIMES A DAY

[park_bear]

Everyone is different - what seems to be best is very individual.

That said, the ER version is what works for me - nice steady flow of levodopa, whereas the IR version is an overdose initially and then not enough.

[RS313 in reply to park_bear]

that stinks because i like the ER c/l and dont really want to switch to the IR i wonder why he wants me to switch?

he said i was doing great better than he expected but still wants to increase the dose of the IR will i feel any side effects switching from the ER to the IR parkbear?

i just dont know why i have to take more if i am doing better

[park_bear in reply to RS313]

You are exactly right that does stink if he is trying to switch you from ER to IR. I would call him and demand what has been working all along. Some MDs cannot resist the urge to tinker. In any case, if he fails to comply, time to find another MD.

[RS313 in reply to park_bear]

so did you start with the IR then switch to ER?

he said that new parkies usually start on the IR

[park_bear in reply to RS313]

Yes I did and it was immediately clear that IR was feast then famine and ER/CR needed.

[RS313 in reply to park_bear]

sry for all of the questions Park bear but do you only take ER/CR now

[park_bear in reply to RS313]

After the initial adverse experience 2 1/2 years ago all I have taken is the ER/CR version. Glad to be of help - no apologies needed.

[RS313 in reply to park_bear]

I may ask to stay on the ER because i dont want the highs and lows feeling.i like how i am doing on this medication

[soup]

Was it a pharmacy mistake, a doctor's mistake or a deliberate change in medication?

[RS313 in reply to soup]

pharmacy mistake but i feel good with the ER

[RS313 in reply to RS313]

he said the IR would work much better for me.

[soup in reply to RS313]

Be wary. It is not up to the pharmacist to prescribe. They just fill prescriptions. It sounds like they are trying to cover their error.

If you like the er, it would be wise to go back to the prescriber and get your notes changed so that no mistakes can be made when adding in other drugs at a later date.

Also, the next pharmacist might honour what the doctor writes and you'd be back on the IR suddenly.

[RS313 in reply to soup]

NO IT WAS A MISTAKE ON THE PHARMACIES PART THEY GAVE ME THE er INSTEAD OF THE IR THE DR ORIGINALLY WROTE FOR THE IR BUT THATS NOT WHAT THE PHARMACY GAVE ME.MY QUESTION IS REALLY JUST TO KNOW WHICH ONE IS BETTER BECAUSE I FEEL GOOD ON THE ER BUT DR SAYS I COULD BE DOING BETTER ON THE IR.

[soup in reply to RS313]

There is no 'better', only 'better for you'. Ask the doctor why they prefer the IR for you. There might be a very good reason but he/she should be able to explain it.

The pharmacy has made a very serious mistake and that needs to be reported as a near miss through their channels.

[RS313 in reply to soup]

MY DR SAID THEY PROBABLY SWITCHED BECAUSE THEY CAN BILL THE INSURANCE MORE FOR THE ER

WHO CAN YOU TRUST NOWADAYS?

[M_rosew]

You should take what your Neuro prescribed.

The pharmacist should give you what your Neuro prescribed.

If s/he has dispensed something different, get it changed for the right thing.

[Serenity_finaly-1]

I find both sinemet cr and sinemet have a place in my daily dosing now.