I have a friend with Parkison's disease. He is taking something called l-dopamine. It wears off quickly.

Question

Is there any other options he can talk to his doctor to that would shorten the amount of "off time" he experiences or how rapidly the currenty treatment is wearing off? Is simply concerns me, and I would like to help him. Unfortunately, he lives in a rural area and does not have access to a specialist, nor does he have money to afford one. THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Carbidopa/levodopa is the generic name for the drug Sinemet. This drug is the "gold standard" in treating Parkinson's Disease. Unfortunately, as you friend is experiencing, the drug eventually wears off more quickly, and the patient often has to increase the amount taken or shorten the time between doses. There is a drug on the market called Comtan which is taken in combination with Sinemet and can make the effects of the Sinemet last longer. There is also a drug called Stalevo which is Sinemet and Comtan combined in one pill.
I would strongly urge your friend to try to find a Movement Disorders Specialist. Insurance and Medicare cover most of the costs, and the benefits of having an MDS on your health care team are well worth it.
I've had Parkinson's for nearly 8 years. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but your friend is very lucky to have you on his "team."

Answer 2

I've been diagnosed with Parkinson's for about a year. My first doctor started me on Requip and I did not feel well on it but he did not allow me to try anything else. I changed doctors and am now using Inderal and Artane and am having a much better time with these. It doesn't sound like him seeing another doctor is much of an option but if there'd be any way he could I highly suggest it. If I hadn't gone to another doctor I'd still be on medicine that I had a hard time tolerating.

There are lots of medications for Parkinson's and it differs by the symptoms you have (I have a tremor in left hand and arm). There is lots of information at the Parkinson's home page and at Michael J. Fox's page.

What a good friend you are to try to help him. I'll bet it helps him deal with what he is facing to have such a nice person in his corner helping him fight. Good luck in finding medicine that will work better for him. God Bless you both!!

Answer 3

Parkinson's is unfortunately a progressive disease so your friend's issues may not be the result of ineffective medicine, it could be just the natural progression of the disease. He needs to see his doc, he may need a higher dose of L-dopa. Is he on disablity? He may have access to Medicaid and therefore a specialist. I would look into that, because they would better know any supplemental treatments he could take. Good luck.