That's an interesting possibility - Mirapex and anxiety. I had been on Permax for a few months when I started experiencing anxiety. Eventually the anxiety, (and nausea and weight loss) got to be so bad that I switched to Mirapex. There are lots of other factors involved, but I wonder what Mirapex is doing to me in that regard. In some ways, the anxiety is my worst, most life-affecting symptom. But I'd sure be afraid to cut back on Mirapex for fear of what titrating back up would be like. (That darned Permax has scarred me for life, I think!). Maybe if I just cut back a little - what do you think?

...This is my problem. Mirapex! I was formerly MKS1951, but about two years ago lost interest and thought I was just having a p.d. meltdown or had gone into denial. But, at that same time I developed a couple of O.C.D.s, one involving Photoshop on the computer. I slept very little, thinking I would just do this one more thing on the computer and then go to bed. Often I would still be sitting here when my husband got up for work.

My life was a mess. My house was a mess. But, I was rarely too tired for Photoshop!

Two weeks ago my doctor cut the dosage from 1x3 to .5x3 and suddenly I have lost some of the appeal to become photographer of the year and started to miss all of you. Many on an individual basis and it took me a while to find you all here. It was the Mirapex all along and I didn't realize it until now. Thanks!

~Marcia

Carolyn,
Get off the Mirapex as soon as possible and discuss alternatives with your doctor. Azilect has worked well for me. I can still remember where I was and what I was doing when I came out of my nightmare Mirapex "fog"

Photoshop was my OC behavior! I reported it to the manufacturers - Boehringer-Ingelheim (I sat at their dinner table at the PDF 50th Event...)

Nice folks - they followed up and I gave an official report about my OC behavior. Once I cut waaaay back on Mirapex, I got my brain back!

Jean

Well It has been very interesting to reread this thread. I have become an obsessive shoe buyer. My daughter picked up on it shortly after I took over the suite in her downstairs. I can't walk past a shoe display, I can't walk past a shoe store without seeing something I want to try on...then its all down hill.
I haven't counted but I think I've got at least 50 pairs of shoes...most of which I've acquired in the last year. They keep getting more and more outrageous too! Time to reevaluate the Mirapex.

Requip, especially since it is now available (at least in the States) in the extended release form (Requip XL). Theoretically, it should help smooth out the ups and downs throughout the day.

I have taken up a new hobby which I just love. I have heard from others who indulge in this hobby, you trully become hooked. It's lampworking-the art of melting glass into beads, pendants, sculptures. I can't get enough of it-go to studio about 3 times a week and would probably go more if I didn't work. It costs alot also, about $10/hr and I would say I spend about 200/mo. It is like an antidepressant for me, I forget all my worries, I get so immersed in what I am doing. I have gotten good at creating beautiful things which I turn into necklaces and such. I sure hope this isn't from mirapex. Without mirapex I have really bad restless leg syndrome and can't sleep at night.
I have no compulsions and not even sure lampworking is one. I just think I have finally found a hobby that I truelly can get into. I was always so jealous of those who had a hobby they looked forward to so much and now I have found one. When I retire (hopefully in 2-3 yrs) I know what I will be doing.
What do you think - is this from mirapex?

Wow, was surprising to see this thread back up again this morning. I had to look at the date to remember I actually posted it.

I have moderate RLS...seen during a sleep study a month ago...the only relief I get from it is from Mirapex...ouch!! If I miss my 7pm Mirapex (.5mg) I am in trouble until I go to bed...pain, aching, moving, terrible discomfort. Then my bed covers are all over the place in the a.m.

As to my spending. I can't go into a needlework shop without spending something. A package of $5 needles can turn into a $50+ purchase, which I don't usually have to spend. But my needlework has been my passion for about 38 years now, since my oldest daughter was born. We lived in a third-world country at the time...no TV, little radio, etc.

In about two weeks my bill paying will be in the hands of a third party and this is a good thing. Don't ask me the status of my bank account under normal circumstances. Like my home, which I can no longer keep clean the way I would like, I can't handle my bills any longer either.

No, I am NOT having fun anymore.

Just Monday evening I asked my daughter to take home some table side reading (an NPF booklet , "Mood, Mind & Memory") and she refused, asking me for "cliff notes." WE had been discussing me and my grandchildren. One of them is a big handful and I have a hard time with him, so as I type I am on a two week "break" from my grandchildren...at my daughter's suggestion.

My greatest fear has always been dementia...and after 20+ years it is becoming even more of a fear. The dementia stats are not good,

Some non-Mirapex reading about compulsive behavior and PD:
Impulsive behaviors in people with Parkinson's

or whatever you choose to cal them are not a problem if !. We can afford them 2. they don't impact someone else's life negativley 3. we can accept them and enjoy them without guilt. They are a sort of gift. The interesting thing to me is that we are drawn to our "passions" by increased sensory (often visual) perception. Don't forget Schizophenia is the opposite of PD (too much dopamine) and schitzophrenics will often go off their drugs because it dulls down their sensory systems. This is all so interesting....almost makes me feel appreciative of my PD for the insights it brings to my life.

Love you guys!!!

Sensory thresholds vary from person to person. Some jump at a fingersnap while others revel in a marching band.

I've always had high thresholds. It isn't that I am unaware of the perfume, whether it be flower or lover. Quite the opposite. It does, however, make me want more and more.

I could easily see that slipping into OCD or addiction. A lot of us have "colorful" pasts that often included addictive behaviors.

Maybe we are more passionate than we realize. PD triggers many forms of it. Look at how many of us found art post-PD.
-Rick