Rytary

[Laceb]

Rytary

Anyone use rytardy instead of generic carbidopa/levodopa? Is the brand more effective in controlling symptoms and/or “off” time than the generic?

Laceb

[JoeKev]

I prefer Rytary. It comes on slower and smoother w/o upset stomach. Better at managing symptoms.

[Park4me in reply to JoeKev]

I just changed to Rytary from Sinemet a week ago. After fighting nausea for 3 days I am feeling much better. Less leg pain. I was suffering from chronic leg pain for a year and a half. Had no idea that the Sinemet was not working anymore. Hoping for further benefits as I continue. This week I increase my dose by three additional pills a day.

[Godiv]

Sorry, ladies. I just saw this. I switched from Sinemet to Rytary. The good things are definitely is easier on your stomach and I can take it without food if I have to or just eat a cracker with it. I think it extends a little longer than Sinemet. It’s just not the amazing product that I had hoped it would be. It seems like sometimes it doesn’t work and other times it works well. You have to be very careful with protein of course and sort of build up to it. I think it’s worth a try though. Again, sorry I missed this. You’ve already probably started it so I hope it’s going well for you.

[Darcy3 in reply to Godiv]

Have you had any anxiety on depression since taking Rytary?

[Godiv in reply to Darcy3]

Darcy, I’m so sorry it took me so long to respond. I think it might make it worse. I’m not sure. I would say yes on the anxiety, and I guess I have felt pretty depressed lately but then again I’m going through a lot with death in the family and all that. It does seem like it causes it for you. So that does make me wonder about me. I just figured it was circumstance although I knew the anxiety was probably worse than it had been more than a little worse. I’d be very curious to hear what your doctor says. My doctor is really really nice but does not really like to talk about side effects or acknowledge the side effects occur. I have to say I have had some really blah down days and I just didn’t attribute that to that particular drug. But that makes me wonder now. I wish I could give you more definitive answer but now you’ve got me thinking.:)I said I will be very curious what your doctor says.

[Darcy3 in reply to Godiv]

I will with you what my neurologist says concerning Rytary and anxiety. I go tomorrow.

[Godiv in reply to Darcy3]

OK Darcy. Thank you and good luck! It’s kind of tough to parse out what’s Parkinson’s and what’s medication, but hopefully your doctor will listen well and give some good advice. Yes definitely I would love to hear thank you so much.

[Darcy3 in reply to Darcy3]

Neurologist said no to Rytary and anxiety. Put me on Paxil and Wellbutrin for anxiety. I go back in 3 weeks for further evaluation. I don’t care what it is so long as I find something that will help. I need some peace of mind.

[Godiv in reply to Darcy3]

Oh gosh I’m not making sense tonight LOL. I didn’t mean to say that some of that could be Parkinson’s to. But I don’t know because it seems to have all started rather suddenly.

[Darcy3]

I have been on Rytary for 13 months. Until recently it helped immensely. It helped with my rigidity. But for the last two months I have had serious anxiety and depression which I contribute to Rytary. Rather than taking it 3 times a day, I reduced to 2 times a day. Still, I have anxiety and depression. I don’t recall having these issues when I was taking Sinemet. I see my neurologist next week and will discuss this problem of severe anxiety and depression.

[kevowpd in reply to Darcy3]

If you went 17 months on Rytary without anxiety and depression, and now have extreme cases of both, it seems more likely to me that your anxiety and depression are PD symptoms than med side effects? They are pretty 'classic' PD non motor symptoms.

[Darcy3 in reply to kevowpd]

Good point, thank you. You may be correct.