[MikeTTF]

When adjusting to take less Levodopa, do you increase the time between doses or decrease the size (mg) of the pill?

And why?

[lindylanka]

l-dopa breaks down in the body very fast, and to be of use it needs to be given often enough that there is as little fluctuation as possible.

In very early PD it is possible that a couple of tablets widely spread will be fine and give good relief, but most need it reasonably close to avoid nasty patches of being unmedicated.

For most people 4 hourly in waking hour is prescribed.

For the reasons above, if you are reducing overall dosage, I would say that it is better to dose down, rather than further apart.

But we are not doctors, only PwP so check it out with your neuro.

Lindy

[trixiedee]

I'm not sure if it's 'in very early PD', I think I've had PD for at least 10 years but was only diagnosed about a year ago (when my symptoms were already very pronounced) and started on Sinemet 6 months ago. Three a day worked fine until about a month ago so I bit the bullet and started taking 0.5mg Azilect which has allowed me to cut back to 2 Sinemet a day (unless I have a particularly energetic evening). So I think it's the amount of time on meds, not the amount of time with PD that matters. I have also toyed with the idea of letting the Sinemet wear off and resting at that time, but obviously that's only possible if you aren't holding down a job. The main drawback with Azilect is that my acupuncturist says my liver is not coping too well with it - something I learned after drinking two small glasses of wine and having a 2 day hangover! So booze is out now...

Trixiedee

[pegleg]

I would say that both methods are used when reducing levodopa intake. However, it is easier for patient compliance if he time between dosing is slowly extended.

Peg