Transdermal patches

[Mondoug]

I have been a member of HealthUnlocked for at lease 4 years!! I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 2012! My current medications are Madopar 100 and Mucuna Pruriens!! My Movement Disorder Specialist has suggested I trial transdermal patches (Neupro-rotigotine -2mg/24h)!! I would appreciate feedback from any HU members that have used the patches!! 4 months ago I had major keyhole surgery on my Abdominal Aortic Aneurism and suspect this may be an important factor to be considered!!

[park_bear]

Neupro-rotigotine is a dopamine agonist. This class of medication has significant risk of devastating adverse effects. It should not be prescribed until you are maxed out on levodopa.

[Mondoug in reply to park_bear]

Thank you for your advice on level of levodopa!!

[Foncie in reply to park_bear]

What are significant risk? Neupro patch is only drug I’m using.

[park_bear in reply to Foncie]

Impulse control disorders - compulsive gambling, shopping, eating, or sex. Some seniors have lost everything due to compulsive gambling.

Orthostatic hypotension - loss of blood pressure upon standing, with possible fainting and uncontrolled fall.

[drruquaya]

It doesn't help so much at such lower dose. The dose is to be titrated to high er level.

[Mondoug in reply to drruquaya]

Thank you - Because of my AAA I am initially interested in body reactions - + & -

[PDGal4]

I have been on neupro patch since July 2015. Have gone back and forth between 4 mg and 6 mg doses, after titrating. My movement disorder specialist usually prescribes as a first line treatment, but I was already taking levodopa when I started to see him. So I use as an adjunct to levodopa.

I have had no adverse effects that I’m aware of. I still have off periods, but am in better shape when I wake up in the mornings than without it. I have read to watch out for compulsive, obsessive behaviors. I am on a relatively low dose and tend to be a little OCD anyway. Every time I get on a cleaning jag or buy something at the store, I’m apt to muse on the impulse — necessity or compulsion?

I have a friend who gained a lot of weight on it and had to stop using. There can also be skin irritation. I mostly apply to my upper thighs. On my arms, it tends to loosen after exercising and arm movements. On my stomach, the skin does get irritated so I limit application there to bathing suit and massage days. Hope that helps.

[Mondoug in reply to PDGal4]

Thank you - an extended and VERY useful report on your use & effect!!!

[Foncie]

I have been using Neupro patch for about 6 months . Neurologist started me on Sinemet first and I had severe tremors. Could not hold my legs on bed. Patch has worked well for me I’m now on 6mg patch daily.