Stalevo vs Sinemet

[shelly9]

Any experience moving from Sinemet to Stalevo.

[Joynb]

I made the transition successfully several years ago. My neurologist advised me to change one dose at a time, eg early morning, do this for a week, then, if no problems, change the next dose. This worked well.

[shelly9 in reply to Joynb]

That is what my neurologist recommends. The goal is to cut down the amount of C/L taken daily. Was that your doctor's reason and was the goal reached ? Any change to side effects ? Thanks for your reply.

[Joynb in reply to shelly9]

I stayed at the same level, the goals were to avoid an increase and to avoid wearing off, which was becoming a problem. Stalevo worked well for me.

[shelly9 in reply to Joynb]

Thanks. That is similar to my situation. What daily dosage are you now taking. My daily dosage is 8 X 100/25 and 1 X 200/50 ER.

[Hidden]

Is that your dosage of current meds rather than Stalevo?

[shelly9 in reply to Hidden]

That is my current dosage with sinemet. Looking to switch to Stalevo and stretch my the effectiveness of each pill.

[Joynb]

I now take 1 x 125 Stalevo first thing in the morning, 4x 100 Stalevo three hourly during the day and 1 x 200 CR Sinemet last thing at night. I also take 1 Azilect in the morning and 1 2.25 mg Sifrol in the evening to manage restless legs. This is working well.

[Hidden in reply to Joynb]

I am pleased it is working well. I only take 1 x 50 Stalevo 3 times a day and 1 mg clonazepam at night for my R.E.M. Sleep Behaviour Disorder.

[shelly9 in reply to Joynb]

joynb- That was very helpful. I'd rather switch to Stalevo than increase my Sinemet dosage.

[arwenmark]

My husband started out on Sinimet when he was diagnosed and was on it a couple years then changed to Stalevo, no problems then, However he recently tried to change back and had a bad time with bowel problems, so went back to the Stalevo again now no more problems, Just costs a lot more than Simimet.

[Joynb]

We are fortunate in Australia. The medications are covered by our government pharmaceutical benefits scheme, available to all Australians. Each medication costs about $35 for a month or more supply, or $6 if you meet eligibility criteria. The scheme is funded through taxation. Insurance companies have no say whatsoever in what medication is available, that is a matter entirely between the patient and doctor.

[Joanne_Joyce]

I do much better on Stalevo than on Sinamet.

[Joanne_Joyce]

I do much better on Stalevo than on sinamet. I had no problems switching.

[shelly9 in reply to Joanne_Joyce]

Thanks good to hear. Would be interested to know why you switched and dosage you take. My MD suggested the switch and my insurance covers both.

[Joanne_Joyce]

Hi. I switched because the sinamet was wearing off too soon and this way I could get more dopamine without increasing the dosage or strength. I take 100mg every 4 hours. Since i don't live in USA and can't get it here in Nigeria, my daughter has to send it to me from USA. So if there is a delay in receiving it I go back to the big bottle of sinamet I still have left over and take it to tide me over. There is no problem switching back and forth, but I certainly feel better when I get back to the stalivo. Good your insurance covers it. Mine refused and my doctor had to appeal so they have now agreed to cover it.

[shelly9]

Thanks and good health

[memegl]

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