I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in January 2012 and was confirmed by a DAT scan later the same year. My doctors have told me that I am doing very well so far.
Through most of my adult life, if I had a tiring or stressful day at work, I experienced tiring physical symptoms very similar to, but not quite the same as extreme hunger. For some reason we called them “the shakes” although they never made me shake! I always quickly remedied how I felt by eating chocolate. Everyone said it sounded like a sugar drop and that I might be diabetic. I experienced these symptoms until last year when I was able to say to my wife that I was free of them.
I spoke too soon as this year they have returned, occurring much more frequently (about 3 times a day), now independently of the kind of day I am having. The hunger-like feeling is now extremely intense and often occurs even just an hour after a good sized meal. They never occur before 11.30 am and always bring with them Parkinson's like feelings in my legs which hamper walking (my legs and walking are always good during each morning). The hunger feelings and legs can sometimes come with stomach wind, drowsiness, mild stress and sometimes even shortage of breath (presumably linked to the stress). They may not sound too bad considering all that Parkinson's can throw at us, but they are very unpleasant to experience. It is as if only I could get rid of these feelings, I could feel healthy again.
I try to resist satisfying the feelings by eating (my weight is very slowly increasing anyway) and I certainly no longer use the chocolate remedy!
I have tested my blood during these feelings (my wife is diabetic) and my blood sugar figures are normal. My doctor has confirmed that I am not diabetic.
Could it be that my hunger hormone, Ghrelin, is playing tricks on me?
My Parkinson's related medication is Sinemet Plus 25mg/100mg 4 times a day, Sinemet 12.5mg/50mg 3 times a day, Sinemet CR 50mg/200mg one at night, Venlafaxine 75mg twice daily, Solifenacin 5mg one daily.
hubby got Parkie and one of his meds, Pregabalin has made him very hungry indeed. He was on the patch and he had chocolate cravings like never before. Needed chocolates from the very minute he got up.
So I don't know what other meds you are on, but I am positive at least one of them triggers hunger.
We tried to cut down on Pregabalin and all hell broke loose, So currently back on old dose and trying to figure a way out.
Chocolate 24/7 here. Apparently it releases the same feel good factor as dopamine? In that case, OH should be free of P as they eat chocolate all day. I find the evidence everywhere.
Hi, I am having this exact problem! The only difference is time of day. I see that you posted this a while back so I was wondering if you ever found out what the problem was or found a solution. I am not taking any meds so I know it isn’t that.
I’ve just started having this exact problem. I find myself stuffing my face with crisps, grapes, chocolate you name it. Anything easy to grab and eat. I was diagnosed only 4 months ago but have had symptoms for over a year. My only medication is Safinamide as it was decided I’m in the very early stages.
Hello, I came across these posts regarding, extreme hunger at differing times of the day! I too have a problem with, hypoglycaemia -like symptom’s, , tiredness, , heavy legs, fatigued , but I’m not a diabetic, I have taken to lying down at these times, which is not good, also because I’m eating when I am able to, it is causing me to gain weight I am on pramipexal and levadopa, so it can make life difficult as I can’t eat when taking the Levadopa due to sharing the same blood barrier in the Brain ( I can’t explain the full science behind it, other than not being able to eat 30 minutes before taking medication or not being able to take my medication 1-2 hours after eating ) lol, so consequently I feel rough mid morning and mid afternoon whilst waiting to either take my Levadopa or having just taken it and waiting to eat!!
I am not sure how to resolve this issue, even my PD had no answers.
My symptoms are fairly well controlled apart this, dx 4.5 years ago.
I would be very grateful if anyone has any tips on managing this problem?
I have posted before but had no replies.
Many thanks
Little nanny x
Hi little nanny.
I am also on those two medications and suffer with the urge to eat when I’m not hungry. However, it is interesting that I have been told by both my doctor and Parkinson’s nurse not to take my tablets for. an hour before or an hour after food. That aside, when hunger strikes, I have to eat, even though I’m not actually hungry. I have been slowly weaned off the Pramipexol. It has been replaced by Opicipone. Unfortunately, as the one drug is leaving my system. So the tremors are worsening. Also, it doesn’t seem to be combating the… Hunger Cravings and urges. sorry about the erratic punctuation, but the dictaphone isn’t working quite right. Also, my sleeping is worsening By that, I mean I’m spending more and more time asleep. Then I am awake.
I see my Parkinson’s dr to Morrow. So we’re going to be having an interesting conversation.
I am on pramipexal and levadopa, so it can make life difficult as I can’t eat when taking the Levadopa due to sharing the same blood barrier in the Brain ( I can’t explain the full science behind it, other than not being able to eat 30 minutes before taking medication or not being able to take my medication 1-2 hours after eating ) lol, so consequently I feel rough mid morning and mid afternoon whilst waiting to either take my Levadopa or having just taken it and waiting to eat!!