Dopamine Patch versus tablets your experience?

[Coling]

Hi, I am seeking your experience as to whether Patches are safe and do or do not cause more complications than the tablets.

I was diagnosed with PD 6 years ago and my Neurologist has suggested a Neupro patch 2mg/24h because I reported no real on and off periods on the Madopar tablets and no real difference in my left side tremor.

My symptoms continued to progress over the past few years mainly left side tremor, tiredness and some occasional nightmares. I currently take 3 or 4 madopar Levodopa/Benserazide 100/25 mg

many thanks

[Shorebird]

Hi Colling- my husband tried the Neupro patch - starting with the 1 mg patch for a week then switched to the 2 mg patch. He was nauseated the entire time with no noticeable improvement in his PD symptoms. He only tried for a couple of weeks though, so your experience may be different. Best of luck. Take care.

[Despe in reply to Shorebird]

I have read that the Neupro patch causes of a lot of side effects (behavioral mostly).

neupro.com/parkinsons-disea...

Unusual urges. Some patients using NEUPRO get urges to behave in a way that is unusual for them. Examples of this are unusual urges to gamble, strong urges to spend money, binge eating, or increased sexual urges and behaviors. Some patients may want to use more NEUPRO than prescribed for their symptoms (dopamine dysregulation syndrome). If you notice or your family notices that you are developing any unusual behaviors, talk to your doctor.

[Coling in reply to Despe]

thankyou despe

[Despe in reply to Coling]

Any time.

[LeharLover62]

Hubby used Neupro for about 6 years, but he has gait disturbance not tremor. It immediately gave him more energy. But it did cause nausea at first. And it has a higher risk of hallucinations, gambling and other cognitive side effects. The nice thing is no ons and offs.

With his new MDS, we’re going through a process of trying different meds for a few weeks each, writing down the symptoms and moving to the next med to see which works best. They all seem to affect him slightly differently…Neupro helped his speech a bit more…Macuna cured his constipation…etc. I really like this approach if you’re not happy with your current symptom control! So I say try it and keep notes.

[Coling in reply to LeharLover62]

many thanks LeharLover62

[amykp]

I tried the patch instead of a pill mostly because my symptoms are very mild, mostly restless leg at night. I worked up to the 3mg patch and left it at that. Definitely at first it makes you nauseated, but for me that went away.

It's not real strong (at least at 3mg...I actually think the dose for PD is supposed to be much higher) though I thought it helped...until I finally stopped and decided I really felt about the same.

But the side effect that actually MADE me stop (after a year) was that wherever I placed the patch I ended up with an itchy little rash that lasted for weeks, until eventually I was covered with red spots. I'm too vain for that! :o)

I think what happens is that you gradually develop a sensitivity to the "glue" or whatever in the patch. It doesn't happen right away though. YMMV. You could try it.

[Coling]

many thanks shorebird

[Coling]

many thanks amykp