How long does one take sinemet/carbidopa levodopa before dyskinesia sets in? I saw a woman I've known for some time, who started the medicine about 5 yrs ago and is starting with the involuntary movement. I was on it for about 5 years and went off to avoid the dyskinesia, and never felt the beginnings of it though the medicine did help a lot. She also takes mirapex.

How did you "get off sinemet" and did you substitute anything for it? How is that going?

I didn't substitute any meds for it. At the time a high protein diet/lots of veges/little to no caffiene/lots of water combined w/exercise it was I did. The initial few weeks getting off the carbs and titrating off the sinemet were difficult. I started kicking up my exercise and movement and that really helped. Within a couple months after starting this plan i was feeling better than I had in years. My symptoms were still present but all in all, felt good. By late spring early summer I'd started adding in carbs and that actually didn't help. Summer and winter months I really slacked off So I am back on high protein/veges/lots of water/exercise. worked for me once we'll see if it works again. I know medication is in my future and some patients might think i am crazy but this works for me, and frankly, i really want to avoid dyskinesia.
PS-I haven't seen a doctor in a few years which is stupid.