How does Rytary affect the person?

[kaypeeoh]

From reading here I assume some people can tell when the medication is working and when it quits working. I'm taking Rytary 48.75mg/195mg three times daily. I don't have 'off' periods so I can't tell whether it's working. I've been on it for several months. My neuro says I walk better but I don't feel a difference. Is there a 'narcotizing' effect when the med is working? I have a dominant hand tremor not changed by medication. I went through several different drugs before trying Rytary. None changed the tremor.

I'm curious because I'm trying meditation. In the past I knew when it was helping. I'd feel relaxation of my face, neck and shoulders. I took Demeral for an injury and the narcotic was the closest thing to meditation that I ever experienced. We drove 3 hours to reach the meditation center. After 3 hours in the truck I was pretty tense. When the muscles relaxed it was like someone dropping a heavy book on the floor. I was amazed that nobody heard it. Because of the tremor I don't feel myself getting to that 'narcotized' state while sitting in meditation.

I never feel the narcotized state with Rytary. Am I supposed to?

TIA,

kpo

[mishod]

Definitely doesn’t feel as “narcotized”. For my rigidity it feels as enabling me to move. For the tremors have you tried Amantadine? I also take magnesium for relaxation.

[JoeKev]

I take Rytary, same dose, also 3X daily It takes 1/2 hour to put me back "on".

So take it every 3 1/2 hrs.

No mind bending like demeral nor does it help much with my tremor.

I find the best thing for tremor is intense exercise. Speed walking, spin for me.

I find 3 parts CBD/ 1 part THC oil chills me out after 25 minutes of yoga.

[Hidden]

Hi kpo:

If you feel no improvement from the Rytary, I don't understand why you are taking it.

My main motor symptoms are tremor and bradykinesia.

When I take any form of c/l, including Rytary, these symptoms go away completely.

[kaypeeoh in reply to Hidden]

I don't see any change when I take Rytary. But Dr Bortan says I walk better. I went to a movement specialist for a month but she says I'm fine now and don't need further treatments.

[PDGal4]

Rytary is designed to smooth out levodopa delivery. If you are moving better and don't experience off periods, it sounds like it's doing what it is designed to do. If by narcotized, you mean a 'high' or 'on' feeling in your head from the drug, I don't think you're supposed to, although at times I do feel something, in my mouth, in my head, hard to describe. I am very sensitive to medications and feel like I am 'on' something no matter what I take. I too meditate -- sometimes it relaxes me, most times I just sit with whatever feelings (physical, emotional) come up. It teaches me patience and impermanence.