Decision Time

[tacato]

I have been on Azilect since my original diagnosis in March 2015. I exercise regularly. My doctor thinks it is time to introduce levodopa. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the pros and cons of going on levodopa. Many thanks in advance.

[ion_ion]

I just started it today with low dose after stayed away from it or other PD medication except B1. One doctor gave me Azilect but I did not take it. So you did and maybe you tell me if it was worth to take it.

[Motherfather in reply to ion_ion]

hi ion ion i took azilect for many years it did nothing for me and it was very expensive i was taking madopar it was the only thing that helped me i still depend on madopar.not sure were you live as not every country has madopar.hope this helps regards.

[Astra7]

I started with azilect straight away, then a year later added a small dose of madapor. I wanted to forget I had PD and be able to do things while I still could. I take a few other supplements and feel better now than I did. I havnt has any problems with either really.

[Hidden]

You best view video by Doc Fahn here on HU

[Kia17]

I think adding Sinemet to Thiamine has the best outcome only if you find the right dose for both.

[park_bear]

Nothing wrong with adding Sinemet. Use the CR, "controlled release" version instead of immediate release. Immediate release gives a very uneven level of levodopa over time. Most people do better with controlled-release.

Remember, this is for symptomatic relief only. If it helps you that is great. If for any reason it turns out to be not helpful there is no need to continue.

[JohnPepper]

Has your Pd got worse since you started with the Azilect? Do you do fast walking, which does slow down or even reverse Pd? Leveodopa does not have any affect on the progression of Pd, so why take it?

[PDConscience in reply to JohnPepper]

'Wine, wo/men, & song' have no effect on the progression of our ultimate mortality, so why partake of it?

Ummmm... because it makes the 'here and now' more enjoyable(?).

[dcpambrose in reply to JohnPepper]

I need some clarification regarding fast walking. You say to practice every alternate days. How about the left over days. Can we do some other exercises on those days too.

[JohnPepper in reply to dcpambrose]

Yes! Of course. Preferably exercising other sets of muscles, not used in the walking.

[Farooqji]

try mucuna first

[GymBag]

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

[gingerj]

I was on Azilect only for about a year. When I started sinemet I felt so normal again that I only wish I'd not waited so long. I'm prescribed 3 x 25/100mg but for now I'm getting by just taking 2. One at 9am one at 3 pm

[fullinspections in reply to gingerj]

GREAT azilect was too expensive went on sinemet 3 pills per day,9,3,and 9 feel good 3 years in. also exercise2 days per week and walk fast 3 times per week if the weather is good if not i peddle my stationery bike . feel good most of th e time expect some down days. keep hydrated 4-5 glasses of water daily GOOD LUCK

[4000Nights]

A typical day. As usual I wake up ‘OFF’. It is hard to get out of bed and straighten up because of pain in my lower back and hip. But as soon as I start walking the pain dissipates. First thing I do is turn on the coffee and take my first of three Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet) of the day and my one Rasagiline (Azilect) while it is brewing. Then I have my coffee (I like it strong) with a little milk and a tablespoon of Mannitol. Before I am half done my coffee, I am ‘ON’ for the day.

I take Azilect to slow progression. I have had little progression since diagnosis. I will never stop taking it.

I take Levodopa/Carbidopa to live a normal life. It works for me. I think you would be nuts not to try it.

And Levodopa/Carbidopa costs peanuts compared to Azilect. DO IT!

[tacato in reply to 4000Nights]

Thank you all for your thoughtful input. This has been extremely helpful and I really appreciate it.

[Mogul1 in reply to tacato]

I started out on Ropinirole about 9 years ago then added C/L 50/200. Not much in the way of results until my Dr gave me some samples of Azilect which I refused to take until my cousin, who has PD, came to town and told me it improved his golf game. THAT got me to take it and I had distinct improvement! Now I take Azilect and Rytary. Initially it was prescribed either 4 pills 3 times a day or 3 pills 4 times a day. The Rytary builds up at the end of the day and for me, causes dyskenisia. I have tried many combos and just discovered that for me, 2 pills to begin the day and then one approximately every 2 hours keeps me on an even keel.

[GymBag]

I dont get it. Your personal health care professional suggested you do something, but you did not trust his judgment but now you are taking advise from absolute strangers on the internet. (One of which thinks he is a bear) . Want some more advise ? Get a doctor you feel you can trust and not just because he agrees with your ideas but because he is well trained and experienced, then do what he tells you to do. A Neurologist that is a Motion disorder Specialist would be a start.

(Guys I think prescribing medication goes to far. You can tell them your story and experiences but not advise to take or not to take a certain drug.)

kaboom

[tacato in reply to GymBag]

Relax Gymbag. I value the perspectives of people taking levodopa as one of many inputs. I was also hoping to get feedback on what people have experienced as downsides to their use of levodopa.

[Isthistheone in reply to tacato]

Hi tocato sorry I'm a little late to this conversation. You may have not noticed, Gymbag is a legend around these parts. People look up to him. You will find out who you can be dismissive with. Gymbag is not one. He's been there, done that and got the T shirt.

[swva]

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