Relief from Artane but none with Sinemet

[PixelPaul]

I’m curious if anyone else has had symptom relief while taking Artane after levodopa provided no relief? My neurologist had me on Sinemet, eventually up to 3 tablets 4x a day. During this time I didn’t experience any symptom relief. He recently had me try Artane, and after taking 1/2 tablet 2x a day after only one week this is the best I’ve felt in over a year. I’m not sure what to make if this?

[park_bear]

What are your symptoms?

[PixelPaul in reply to park_bear]

My symptoms are all on the right side of my body. Micrographia and lack of fine motor skills in my hand. No arm swing when walking. Stiffness in arm and neck. Constant muscle tension in hamstring. Occasional cramping of foot and toe curling. Recently developed slight action tremor. So far I have not noticed any non-motor symptoms.

[park_bear in reply to PixelPaul]

All Parkinson's symptoms, no doubt about it.

If it works I say go with it.

[Hidden]

A very brief article about Artane sounds interesting for people who don't do well with other options:

parkinsonsnewstoday.com/par...

On the downside, it looks like Artane is no longer available in the US, but could possibly be available as a generic. Either way it would be easy enough to ask your pharmacist about it as well as compatibility with your current regimen.

Art

[PixelPaul in reply to Hidden]

You are correct, I am using Trihexyphenidyl which is the generic equivalent.

[Despe in reply to Hidden]

First med prescribed by UAB neurologist. My husband experienced side effects, mostly confusion. Mayo neurologist and our local neurologist commented that they would never prescribe this med as it's a century old! Not recommended for older individuals.

[Hidden]

As levodopa has had no effect, it may be that, while you have Parkinsonian symptoms, you do not actually have Parkinson’s Disease. Artane is an anti-spasmodic drug may treat the symptoms you have. It may be that you will need to see a Movement Disorder Specialist for a second opinion on PD diagnosis.

[PixelPaul in reply to Hidden]

I am currently seeing a MDS.

[Hidden in reply to PixelPaul]

It may be worth having the conversation in view of the fact that levodopa therapy does not help.

[Steve1376]

Good for you! Keep taking it. Your a mold breaker. Out of the box. I'm glad your doctor didn't just say. You don't have it.

[LearningAllICan]

this post from you is fro 7 months ago - I am curious if Artane is still working for you and how much you are taking? Thank you!

[Naltur]

Happy for you, just check your liver enzymes regularly.