Medications improving my cardio?

[kaypeeoh]

I take ropinirole and amantadine. I've had PD for nearly two years. I was on Sinemet but discontinued it because of severe tiredness. The neuro switched me to the two drugs mentioned above. I've mentioned the HIIT that I do on a treadmill. I've done it for over two years. In the past it was close to impossible for me to do the complete workout. I do 8 sprints at 8% grade, 6MPH. Lately the sprints have gotten less difficult. In fact today I did 10 sprints. I started the two drugs two months ago. I've made no other changes.

Is there something about the two drugs that could cause such an improvement in my workouts?

TIA,

kpo

[MBAnderson]

I would phrase it differently. They didn't cause the improvement, (by improving your dexterity and rhythm and whatever else,) they allowed it. And, it should also be noted, that you are highly motivated and may well been able to do it without them.

[kaypeeoh in reply to MBAnderson]

So maybe it's just the placebo effect?

[MBAnderson in reply to kaypeeoh]

My guess would be, not. I think you genuinely are having better workouts. I think the drugs that reduce our symptoms allows for better work out. When I take Sinemet before I go to the gym I get more exercise.

[GymBag]

We often find that people do not react the same way to medications , different effects and side effects . The best for you is often difficult to determine plus your body slowly ,very slowly gets used to the medication and stops fighting it and it becomes more effective.

Amantadine, Ropinarole and Sinemet I have taken all 3 for a long time.

I am allergic to one of them , we think it is the Ropinarole and we tried to cut it back but unsuccessful. Rashes, swelling, doziness, falling asleep at a stop sign (I was driving then ) . However it could have been the Sinamet but whatever it was , my reactions have changed.

Plus the more exercise you do, the more you can do. If you get hit with something, like a cold or flu . arthritis, a long trip , injury , etc and you can not exercise then the floor falls out and it is a terrible struggle back. You are on an up swing , keep pushing.

[kaypeeoh in reply to GymBag]

Thanks, lucky I'm a hypochondriac. I'm always on the search for things that might harm me. I was 5 years old when I read something that convinced me I had breast cancer and I wouldn't stop screaming til my mom got me to the base clinic.

[GymBag in reply to kaypeeoh]

I think any one with PD will be viewed by the casual observer as a bit of a Hypochondriac, because constantly watching your health is necessary. A day filled with taking medication at the right time, and exercise and rest does not leave a lot of time to please everybody else and they are certainly not interested in talking about it or hearing about it. Do your searches, just don't worry. Worry is a waste of time and energy and has negative effect. Be happy, you can handle this.

[Hikoi]

I dont know the answer but I know that ropinerole helps my movement considerably and amantadine also lifts my mood a little.

[kaypeeoh]

Thanks for all the help. I never had a movement disorder--I think--but I definitely have more energy from something, either amantadine or ropinirole.