Fluctuation with meds

[Skymom2008]

I function much better in the mornings than after lunch on same Meds. Does anyone have the same? Just started having this.

[wifeofparky]

Are you taking your second dose on an empty stomach. Protein interferes with sinemet absorption so you may not be getting full benefit of your second dose. If you take it after lunch, make sure you wait at least two hours to take it.

[86eightynine95 in reply to wifeofparky]

Also, try taking meds half an hour before eating.

[wifeofparky in reply to 86eightynine95]

one hour before meals is better. The gut slows down with PD so you want to get the biggest bang for your buck.

[Skymom2008]

Thanks to you both. I have been taking them several years. Who knows!

[Carolinagirl123]

me too, but i have always been a morning person, even before pd, so i attribute part of my afternoon sluggishness to that. i had a very busy morning today, and i am really dragging tonight. all i can say is enjoy your energy when you have it.

[Skymom2008 in reply to Carolinagirl123]

I know. I am really feeling it now. And, we all talk not getting responses from our docs.

[Hikoi]

Hi Skymom

In the beginning i wasnt aware of marked differences during the day but with time it became noticable that morning was best and i declined during the day. Recently with adjusting meds timing and increasing a little in the pm im much better.

I see you were diagnosed in 2005, but really began meds 2014 right? Thats interesting? Nine years without is very good, was it hard?

[Skymom2008 in reply to Hikoi]

That is right. No it was not hard. I only had a tremor. Then I tried a holistic approach. That was hard. So then I started meds. Thanks so much.

[paddyfield]

My neuro asked me if there was any particular time of the day when the meds less effective and my answer was early afternoon dx 8 years ago. I am very strict about the protein rule. It must be a significant aspect as my neuro is a man of very few words and sometimes none.

[Skymom2008 in reply to paddyfield]

Thank you.

[86eightynine95 in reply to paddyfield]

What do you mean by the "protein rule?" I know protein interferes with the absorption of Sinemet, and I try to minimize my protein intake.

[paddyfield]

I invented the short label. You probably already know about the following advice: avoid food until for at least half an hour before and for two hours after food to avoid interference in the absorption of sinemet . I have seen just one hour after food but given the slowing of the gut in PD two hours seems a better target. Some people do not eat any protein until the evening. I imagine this is the only way if you are taking tabs more frequently.

[Shaker33]

I recently figured out that for me, Sinemet works faster and even longer when I take with seltzer water and follow with half of a chewable plain Vitamin C tablet. I also try to not take meds within 1.5 - 2 hours of a meal, esp protein or dairy meals.