Hi, I’m new here and hope I have what might be an easy to answer question.
I was diagnosed with “mild” parkinsons in November 25. I have a slight tremor in my left arm and leg at times. The consultant started me off on Co benaldopa (Madopar). When I got home with the prescription from the hospital pharmacy I found it said “take 3 times a day before meals”. I might be over-thinking things but three times a day would probably be 8am, 4pm and midnight. Before meals would be 7.30 am, 12.30pm and 5.30pm, eating half an hour later.
I went to the local pharmacy and asked the pharmacist who said he wasn’t sure (!) but thought I should do the regular timings and avoid taking a dose close to meals. This is what I did for at least the first 4 weeks. It might have been 5. I thought I was having some sleep problems so saw another pharmacist who said to use the pre-meal regime and that’s what I’ve done since. I think sleeping’s a bit easier. The meds don’t seem to have any effect on my tremors either way.
The consultant said he would see me in February to discuss the results of the DATscan I had on Christmas Eve and of course I’ll talk to him about it then. He seems hard to get hold of and I don’t have a PD nurse yet, so I’m loolking for advice from those more experienced.
Thanks for reading this far. Do you think I’m doing the right thing?
Hi @Shaken-not_stirred, welcome to the forum. You’re not over-thinking this at all - it’s a really common (and sensible) question.
In general, when Madopar/co-beneldopa is prescribed “three times a day before meals”, it usually means:
Roughly evenly spaced doses during waking hours (for example, morning, midday, late afternoon/early evening)
Taken about 30–60 minutes before food, because protein can interfere with absorption
There is a page on our website that explains how to take Parkinson’s drugs like levodopa/co-beneldopa (Madopar) and how timing with food can affect how well they’re absorbed.
Until you have a Parkinson’s nurse, you might find it helpful to keep a simple diary of dose times, meals, sleep and symptoms, and raise this clearly at your February appointment (it’s a very reasonable thing to ask).
If you want to talk it through sooner with someone who understands Parkinson’s medication, our helpline is really helpful and free: 0808 800 0303.
You’re doing the right thing by asking questions and listening to your body.
Thanks for such a quick reply. It looks like I’m doing the right thing! Thanks for the reassurance. It had been on my mind for a while. I’ll carry on with 30 mins, at least, before meals. I’m aware of the protein issue. I’ve got so many questions ready for the next time I see the consultant.
Welcome to the forum, this is changing the subject a bit and the advice you have given fully answers your question I think, but I just wanted you to know the early weeks and months following diagnosis is a strange time and takes some getting used to. It not like a ‘normal’ illness where you go to the GP get your prescription or treatment plan, follow the advice and you’re sorted. You will find wih almost all things Parlinson’s and especially meds, there’s a lot of trial and error until you find what suits you best which may not ne the first thing you try. Hang on in there, you do get used to it and keep asking as you have, we’ve all been where you are now and have survived the early ‘what do I do? what does this mean?’ what happens now? and the many questions that come with this phase
