Feb 1, 2015 (Started Jul 27, 2011)

  • Effectiveness
    Major (for Parkinson's disease)
  • Side effects
    Mild (for Overall) (jerky movements)
  • Adherence
    Always
  • Burden
    Somewhat hard to take
Dosage: As needed
Advice & Tips: On the average, it is best to take 0.75 tablet every 4.00 to 4.25 hrs. If I am doing something physical like a long walk or if I have to keep moving my whole body for 2-3 hours, then 1.00 tablet. Do not do this if sitting at a desk-dyskinesia.
Cost: < $25 monthly
Side effects: jerky movements

Nov 8, 2014 (Started Jul 27, 2011)

  • Effectiveness
    Moderate (for Parkinson's disease)
  • Side effects
    Moderate (for Overall) (jerky movements)
  • Adherence
    Always
  • Burden
    A little hard to take
Dosage: As needed
Advice & Tips: It's the fall/winter season, and I made a med change. IT coincides with the daylight getting shorter. About mid-to late Sept I increase the Cymbalta(depression) from 60mg to 120mg. This seems to affect how the L-dopa is metabolized. For a few weeks I was taking 1 whole tablet (100/25), every 5-6 hrs. The 0.75 dose wasn't doing its work. I also start on modafinil for alertness. Due to Rx screw up I wasn't able to start in Oct, but had to start in Nov. I was maintaining, but now I feel better with the modafinil. Like someone turning up the TV brightness switch just a little bit. But now I think I am very sensitive to the amount of L-dopa. I will work it out.
Cost: < $25 monthly
Side effects: jerky movements

Apr 18, 2013 (Started Jul 27, 2011)

  • Effectiveness
    Moderate (for Parkinson's disease)
  • Side effects
    Moderate (for Overall) (jerky movements)
  • Adherence
    Always
  • Burden
    Somewhat hard to take
Dosage: As needed
Advice & Tips: This survey doesn't account for the way i take L-dopa. I started out at 1 tablet every 6 hours. Now I am at 0.75 tablet every 4 hours. So this means i am taking a smaller dose at more frequent intervals as Parkinson's progresses. If I take more than needed, the dyskinesia starts. If I go too long without a dose (usually sitting at work or computer), forget to take it, hand tremor starts.
Cost: < $25 monthly
Side effects: jerky movements
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