Stalevo

Hi all. My neurologist has changed my Madopar (3/4 tablet 5 times per day, 4 hourly) to Stalevo, 1 tablet qid. Since the switch I have been struggling and feel I need an extra tablet. Does anyone have experience in Stalevo? Would you mind letting me know the dosage you are following and how helpful it is? Thanks Veronique

[johntPM]

What are the dose sizes?

In theory, looking at the levodopa component, 100 mg of Stalevo should be worth 133 mg of Madopar.

[Hidden in reply to johntPM]

I am on 50mg to be increased to 100mg still qid. I am unsure how often to take. Pharmacist suggested breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. I am worried the frequency may be too long.

[park_bear]

The fact that you had been properly medicated and are now under medicated is all you need to know. Go back to the neurologist and tell him or her this is the case. Not fixing what is not broken is a good general principle.

[Hidden in reply to park_bear]

Thanks park_bear. He called today and increased Stalevo to 100. Hoping this works better as yesterday I couldn't move.

[Astra7]

Why did you change?

[Hidden in reply to Astra7]

Madopar only covered me for 3 hours and my neurologist thought Stalevo would give longer lasting dosage

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

The extra component in Stalevo, entacapone, is meant to reduce off periods. I have used it for many years but asked to be put on Sastravi, a cheaper generic, to decrease the cost to the NHS. I experienced no difference with that change.

[Geauxgirl45]

My husband takes generic Stevalo 200mg 6 times a day. He also takes Sinemet 1/2 25/100 tab up to three times a day. He has DBS. Some days he has a lot of off time still! He has had Parkinson's for 34 years

[Annifinn]

I have had Parkinson’s 38 years. well controlled until the last couple of years, but found I was overdosing on ropinirole. Since altering my regime three years ago my physical symptoms are less controlled but mentally better. I now take a cocktail of ammantadine, sinemet, lower dose ropinirole,artane plus paroxitine for depression. Any advice or ideas would be welcome!

[jeeves19 in reply to Annifinn]

38 years! Amazing.

[Astra7 in reply to Annifinn]

That’s amazing. How long have you taken meds? I see you are a big mannitol fan. Any side effects??

[Panda30]

I had the similar experience when my neurologist changed to Stalevo. I took for month or so and changed to Kinson.

It was effective for very short time only. Then as if the tape is cut half way through. I know what you mean..

[Hidden in reply to Panda30]

Hopefully the increase in dosage might help.

[Ireneno]

I take Stalevo every 4 hrs ... works well

[Hidden in reply to Ireneno]

Glad to hear! What times do you usually take the last tablet?