Hello,

In February, my neurologist prescribed me Zoloft for depression. That evening I stopped taking Selegiline and began taking Zoloft. Within a few days, my PD meds(Sinemet and Requip) weren't working anymore. I "froze up" from head to toe. My eyes were even stiff. Also, my lower spine felt paralyzed, numb. After 3 weeks of this, it started getting better because my medication was becoming effective again. (Although, the effectiveness of the generic of Sinemet has declined considerably in the past few months. But this seems to be a wide-spread problem among many PWP.) But, since I first starting taking Zoloft(stopped after 4 days) and when I'm "off", I still become very stiff, especially in my lower spine.

Also since taking Zoloft, my eyes(eyeballs) have changed and feel stiff and the lids feel heavy and tend to go down easily. I can't focus well during this. Weird!

I'm wondering if anyone has had a mild case of Serotonin Syndrome and can fill me in on their symptoms and if it got better or worse. And, did it cause the Parkinson's to progress? I've read about the syndrome and did have more than 3 of the symptoms. I feel like a walking zombie during my "off" times, which are too often.

Another weird thing is I'm allergic to the generic of Sinemet. I was able to tolerate Mylan's generic, no allergies. But, the pharmacies can't get it anymore. I've tried Teva's, Purepac's and Actavis' generics. I've had a bad reaction to all three; burning in mouth, on tongue and down throat, sometimes bleeds, and I cough up a dark fluid from my lungs about 45 mins. to an hour after taking it. I know it is probably a binding agent that I'm allergic to. Anyone else having this problem? And, would Stalevo or Amantadine be a good substitute for Sinemet? I hate to think that I can't take carb/levo or Sinemet anymore. I have cut back on my Requip intake by 5 mg and it has made getting around quite challenging.

Any advice is appreciated. I am actively looking for a solution to get better. Aren't we all?!

Thanks in advance for replying!
Tonya

Recently told by our neurologist that compounding pharmacies can whip up a customized Sinemet without the allergen triggers for those who are sensitive. No lead yet on where to go, but do inquire. Maybe Skip's Pharmacy in Florida? Worth a search!

FYI, two year's ago my friend Jan had to stop taking Sinemet because of an allergic reaction plus it stopped working for her. That's when she switched over to taking Mucuna Pruriens and amino acids, instead. Very difficult switch-over but it was far better for her. Many of her Parkinson's symptoms dissipated. Now, though, she's having a rough time finding the right balance. We think her problem may be mainly vascular, thus no drug will work the magic. We're exploring CCSVI, chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency.

All best,
Trisha

Good luck,
Trisha

Thanks for responding, Trisha. I'm surprised they would customize their drugs for anyone, but they should, considering how much money is poured out to them.
I have called a few major Pharmaceutical companies and was told the brand name Sinemet is out of production right now. And the pharmacies cannot get the generic made by Mylan. Interestingly enough, Merck and Mylan WERE co-contributors in the production of Sinemet, and Mylan produced the generic carb/levo, which I had no problems with. Only problem is no one that I know of can get the generic manufactured by Mylan.
If anyone else has had a reaction or allergies after taking carb/levo, please consider responding to this thread and telling us how you handle it and/or what you take in place of carb/levo and who the manufacturer of the generic is.
I continue to take it and live, apprehensively, with the side effects. I take a Clariton once a day and it does help for about 4 hours.
The CCSVI sounds interesting considering I have neuropathy in my hands and arms, and my feet and legs swell at night and in the morning. Could be a correlation.
Thanks again,
Tonya