Hi. Newly diagnosed 4 weeks ago after 2 years of symptoms. I declined medication but not regretting this as I have gone downhill in the past 4 weeks. Am awaiting an appointment with a Parkinson’s nurse and will discuss and go on recommended meds. I have what I can only describe as a feeling of being drunk all the time and this is my worst symptom right now. Will Parkinson’s meds clear this up? And what is it? I have imsomnia and hardly sleeping and I see the term brain fog used so could this be what I am feeling. Its the most awful drunken feeling.
Should say NOW regretting this not NOT regretting this.
Hi Rob. You’ll soon realise that everyone with PD displays many different symptoms. I remember prior to my diagnosis in 2021, I’d be out for a walk and suddenly take an unplanned step left or right, as if someone had nudged me. My wife and I just laughed it off 
. It did get noticeably worse when I’d be walking around the garden during lockdown.
You should be reassured to hear there are many drugs available which work in different ways for different people. I was started on Co-Careldopa, a small dose which was gradually increased until a sweet spot was found that managed most if not all my symptoms. The change from a man of 50, clearly with PD, back to the fit and strong man I used to be was phenomenal!
You must realise though that this damn disease is progressive with no known cure to date, so it’s a what seems to be a constant battle with different meds to stay on top of the symptoms.
I am pleased to say my walking and gait are back to 100%, albeit I do experience other symptoms. But for the most part, the meds I’m on make me feel normal ‘most’ of the time.
I hope you get an appointment asap, get some meds in your system and feel ‘normal’ again soon.
Cheers
D
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PS. Just a thought…. Your GP should be able to see all your PD notes, test results etc. It is possible that they could contact your PD specialist team to discuss your needs, and with a bit of luck, they may be able to prescribe a drug to get you started. Worth a phone call I’d say.
Cheers
D
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Thanks for the kind response Dusty. Saw my GP last Friday and she was writing to the Parkinson’s nursing team to expedite my appointment. Said she is not able to deal with medication.
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Hi Rob28 I know have had PD for quite a number of years, and I also get that drunk feeling. It is hard to explain, but another way I explain it is., like being on board a ship in a nine force gale. I took part in a research PD program, 4 people with PD, and one of the others said “You know that’s the same feeling as I get” so you are not alone. What is annoying though is yes!! you feel drunk but not one drop has passed your lips. In you look back at one of the old Parkinson’s mags there was a story of a man, who the police was going to be charged for being Drunk n Disorderly, he tried to explain that he had PD but still spent a night in a cell. GPs can see your notes but when I spoke to one of our GPs it was her who kept asking me questions and she admitted that not many GPs at the surgery know much about PD. You also say that you can’t sleep, now after having PD for 14 years I can honestly say in all that time I have probably only had 6 months, of good nights sleep, What do I do, well if you don’t go to work then if you feel tired just have 5 mins nap, The only time it upset me was when I went over to see my brother and his wife in Germany when I got there I just went to unpack my bags, had a lay on the bed and did not wake up till next day, So I say to you don’t worry about your sleep, just sleep when your body tells you, My PD nurse told me all the others things to do, warm bath before bed, warm drink, relax, and other things but none helped. So now if I can’t sleep I will read, listen to music ect. sorry to go on but hopefully you will sort it out.
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We had a term for this in the Royal Navy lol. Every time I experience this drunk stagger, I call out ‘Whoa, ship roll’. 
Cheers
D
I say earthquake and try to convince those in the room with me that’s what has happened and not me losing balance
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