I am newly diagnosed, and I was surprised to be prescribed L-Dopa (Madopar) at the same time. From what I have read , this drug is normally prescribed when movement problems affect quality of life and the ability to do everyday things. This is not yet true for me.
My main motor problem so far is a loss of arm swing and stiff hand on one side.
What currently bothers me more are my non-motor symptoms including Insomnia, constipation, depression and anxiety, a muzzy head and feeling giddy when standing. Have others found that L-Dopa helps with these?
Good morning viridens … I am 71 & was diagnosed with Atypical Parkinson’s in June 2023 following a positive datscan of my brain.
My first NHS neurologist, an NHS locum from Armenia, told me that my type of Parkinson’s does not respond well to the dopamine replacement medications like Madopar. Did I want to bother he asked. I decided to try Madopar & another drug that did not work for me, so I stopped them. The neurologist left the NHS & I was treated by an excellent, experienced Parkinson’s nurse. He put me on Sinemet & that has helped me live my life more as I want to.
However these drugs do have side effects for some people. I certainly have Insomnia
& other sleep related issues, like nightmares etc …
No I do not think Madopar will help with the symptoms you suggest. Perhaps phone the helpline here 0808 800 0303 & chat to one of the Parkinson’s nurses here. It is free of charge & they usually phone you back. Do make a list of questions.
Also it may be that you have other health issues not connected to Parkinson’s causing your current symptoms.
Steve2
Thank you for your reply. I have to say I was hoping for more than a single response from 82 views, but hey ho…
My consultant is a Geriatrician with many Parkinson’s patients under her care, She apparently likes to start her patients on L-Dopa early. I’m not sure why since I believe there is no effect on progression of the disease. I am still waiting to hear from a Parkinson’s nurse, but the team Pharmacist hopes I may see an improvement in insomnia, constipation etc over time. Meanwhile, I think Madopar Is lowering my blood pressure worsening my orthostatic hypotension. It was only 88/62 after a walk this morning.
I was prescribed rasagaline for the first 2 years and then started on sinemet when I felt that I needed something more to manage the tremors. The rasagiline seemed to help with the anxiety I had but didn’t make any difference to the tremors. Unless they’ve changed since the last time I looked, the NICE guidelines recommend starting patients on levadopa when symptoms require. It used to be thought that it was better to delay this and start with dopamine agonists but research showed that people felt that overall quality of life was better if l-dopa was started earlier.