I did not tolerate the Mirapex for PD (racing thoughts, depression, crying, severe headache). My MDS has now prescribed Azilect. I am now taking Sinemet 25/100mg 4 times daily and .50mg Azilect daily. In the 1980s I took an MAO inhibitor for depression. The dietary rules were very strict. I know not to take Demerol, dextromethorphan, tramadol, and Flexeril, but what about foods containing tyramine? My MDS says the dietary restrictions are much more relaxed now. Any thoughts on what foods to avoid?
Thanks. Jean

Yes Jean, the dietary restrictions are more relaxed now. I was told by several MDS not to worry about tyramine or other food interactions. However, you should still be aware of the drug interactions. I've been on 1mg for about 1 1/2 years now with absolutely no side effects. However, I'm really not sure that I get any symptom benefit from it. Don't know how much .5mg will help you.

Gary

i'd listen to your neuro and read the package insert. there is less negative affects with azilect and food than with deprenyl/selegiline, not sure if it's because the dose is so much lower, 1mg vs 10mg.

bigger issue is if .5mg gives you any benefit. is it increasing ON times or reducing symptoms?

you posted earlier you were stopping the sinemet, is it helping now?

To answer your question. After talking with my MDS via phone, I stopped the Mirapex, but continued the Sinemet. We all know how long it takes to get an appointment with a specialist. I finally saw him again last week. At that time we discussed the situation and he started me on .5mg Azilect daily to increase to 1mg daily in 4 weeks. So far so good with NO side effects. My main symptom is left hand tremor. I don't think the tremor is any better or any worse yet. I do know that stress (work) makes it much worse. Thank God I am right hand dominant.
Jean

I was started on Azilect when I was diagnosed in 12/2011. Symptoms were essentially just left side tremors. Still only taking Azilect as tremors are not much worse and definitely not interfering with my life. I recognize I am taking it on the hope that it will slow the progression and do not expect it to reduce symptoms. I feel I am doing well, doing a lot of exercise classes, pilates, Tai Chi Chih (very good for PD) and a Dancing through Parkinsons class. My neurologist says I get an A for being so active which he says is great medicine. And I have 2 different support groups. I certainly don't love having PD but I am living with it and try not to think what the future will bring. Guess it helps to be 74 years old!

gbucky,

Welcome to the forum.

You seem to be doing very well. You're doing exactly those things which many people on this forum find works from them: Azilect, with varied exercise in a social context.

You mention the future. When the time is right, when the symptoms become a problem, for instance limiting your ability to exercise and socialize, don't fear adding other medications. They are likely to enable you to have many years of good quality life.

John