Hi I Douglas am 87 and live in Ramsgate.
I was recently diagnosed with PD and prescribed Sinemat plus low dose to start’ then 25mg sfter 2 weeks. Also there is Damperidone if required.
I have not yet started to take the tablets as I am concerned about possible side effects.
Am I being too concerned? Will they really help me with movement, getting dressed. In and out of bed etc?
Hi Douglas,
Welcome to our forum community. We just wanted to say hello and make sure you’re aware of our most common support tools, to use in conjunction with the advice from our lovely community. Your most direct route to answers is our free and confidential helpline, on 0808 800 0303, staffed with advisors with their own fleet of resources, including connecting you with support in your area. Added to this is our website, Parkinsons.org.uk, which is kept up to date with research news, fundraising events, and this is where you will find archived forum discussions. (You can search from the main page or here within the forum for these threads.) And we would include these alternate support portals in the case that the helpline is closed: Support for you | Parkinson's UK.
We hope these resources can be of use, and with our warmest welcome,
Jason
Forum Moderator
Good evening Wisecrack … Sorry to hear about your Parkinson’s diagnosis. I am 70 years old & was diagnosed following a positive datscan in June 2023. I have been on Sinemet for about 6 months now & it has genuinely helped my symptoms. I was on a low dose to start that has now increased to 2 tablets 3 times a day. I have also just started Rasagiline which helps the Sinemet. I have had Parkinson’s symptoms for a good few years.
I have found that taking Sinemet may have caused me bad dreams, REM sleep & insomnia. BUT I am also on a number of other drugs like Beta Blockers that have the same side effects. I take extra pills for the sleep problems.
Medication affects us all differently. If you don’t get on with the medication you can always stop after consulting your medical team. You’ve not got a lot to lose.
I was on 2 other Parkinson’s meds but didn’t get on with them so I no longer take them.
Any questions do ask.
Best wishes
Steve2
The only way to find out if the medication works is to try it there are other therapies you can add like red light therapy for PD and intermittent fasting, you will find videos on YouTube if your interested,
Hi Douglas
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. My husband was diagnosed just over a year ago and, like you, was reluctant to take tablets due to possible side effects. However, when he did the most noticeable change was the lack of thrashing around in his sleep. Not only was he less tired in the morning, it made a big difference to me as well as I was also able to sleep better (no sleeping with half an eye open worrying about whether I was likely to be in the way of some involuntary thump). As Lar has said … the only way you will find out is to try it.
Hi
Every person reacts differently to medication. There is no rule of thumb…
Keep reaching out to people.
Ypu can always slowly test it and see what you think.