As I read about people using the Neupro (rotigotine) patch, there are a lot of scare stories about headaches, skin irritations… is there anyone out there who’s felt that it’s been a good addition to their medication regime? I’m due to start it, and am apprehensive. Thanks!
Hello @carolk my wife has been on a rotigotine Patch since around 2012 , started on 8mg , went to 10 mg . 10 mg made her very ill ,it was to much dopamine.
She went on to and stayed on 8 mg untill around 2024 when apparently this happens all the time , hallucinations started. Olfactory at first .. then people in the house. No one there…
Was told to come off them slowely so 8 , 6 , 4 ,2 over months unfortunately the lower it got the less mobile my wife got . Was told not to use in 2025 .. that’s good on paper but unfortunately for me not good as I had to try and get her to the toilet, dress her … etc ..
Just because .. its “ always” the patch that makes the person have hallucinations to much dopamine
After 3 months of a very bad time We decided to continue with the patch ,against the consultant advice she uses a 4 mg patch .. at least my wife can walk and do what she wants as and when.
Reactions ;, red marks on arms , just move the patch from arm to different place every day , wash area. You may need to experiment on patch size 4 / 6 /8 24 hours
Parkinson’s will eventually give you hallucinations anyway part of the “ extra add-ons “
Hope this helps….
Thank you for the complete reply. I’m meant to start on a 2mg…but still quite nervous. I’ll only know if I try it for a bit.
Hello. Glad I can help in some way, don’t be afraid it’s a small patch you can ware it out of the way somewhere , it tells you in the instructions, it’s beige in colour .
As far as I know it’s never caused any side affects….
I have been using these patches since 2014 with no significant issues.
I feel they have been a useful medication for me. Although their effects are less significant than levodopa. It is worth being aware of the potential side effects of dopamine agonists like Rotigotine, especially impulse control disorders which can be devastating for some. There was a BBC radio series on this recently.
I think with any Parkinson’s medication it is usually worth trying it for a while and seeing whether the benefits outweigh the costs for you as people seem to respond so differently.