Would like to hear from others about their response to lowered levodopa to reduce punding.
Punding: Would like to hear from others... - Cure Parkinson's
Punding
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BaakP
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What is punding
'Punding is defined as a constellation of complex, sterile and stereotyped behaviours including an intense fascination with repetitive manipulations of technical equipment, the continual handling, examining, and sorting of common objects, excessive grooming, hoarding, incessant fidgeting at clothes or oneself, pointless driving or walkabouts, and the engagement in extended monologues devoid of rational content."
My son hyperfocuses along with a body of symptoms that occur afternoon and evening that include light sensitivity, a feeling of brain overload and a general feeling of distress.
Emory neurologist suggested lowering levodopa to reduce episodes. But lowering levodopa might have consequences.
My husband does excessive grooming and always sorting different objects but never associated it with PD he does not take levedopa
“Punding is thought to be medication-induced in PD, especially at high dopamine replacement levels. As the condition progresses and dopamine loss becomes greater, people take larger doses of medication in order to alleviate motor symptoms. In an effort to reduce off times, some people self administer a “rescue” dose. A compulsive overuse of rescue mediation beyond that needed to relieve of motor symptoms may result in punding”
Our neurologist at Emory only suggested a change in the primary medication my son takes...carbidopa/levodopa. He only this week started the lower dose.
My son’s behavior is not repetitive but hyperfocusing on something like re-wiring an electrical unit using things he would not use if he was not in that state. Often he will be working on a project, be it home repair or a computer program (not games) for 6-8 hours. When he is in the zone he is unreachable and unresponsive to attempts to disengage him from his endeavors. He may even know he is doing it but seems powerless to stop.
Does he take a dopamine agonist? It sounds like it could be related to an impulse control disorder. This is just a guess. I have no scientific data to back it up but I think it qualifies as obsessive behavior.
No. Cd/ld/entacapone (not yet compared to ago ists), parsitan (obtained through Canadian pharmacy), amantadine.
Neurologist did not mention possibility of anything other than long term cd/ld
