http://tinyurl.com/mst8o

Sinemet toxicity - FYI
one of the articles talks about GDNF helps Sinemet Toxicity!

1: Clin Neuropharmacol. 1985;8(4):318-27.

Sinemet "abusers".

Nausieda PA.

It is generally assumed that parkinsonian patients perceive their need for
antiparkinsonian drugs on the basis of emergent motor symptoms. We describe five
patients in whom an apparent psychologic effect from levodopa prompted dosage
escalation to the point of toxicity. Abstinence from dopaminergic drugs resulted
in the appearance of drug-seeking behavior. Psychologic dependence on levodopa
has not previously been reported, but appears to occur in a small subset of
parkinsonian patients.

"emergent" symptoms?? as in "you should have taken it 30 minutes ago?"
escalation is pretty darned easy when the target symptoms are the same as overdose
Sheesh...

I have seen Sinemet abuse. It is not pretty. It is no fun for anyone but the person who deludes himself into thinking that it IS fun. Did you ever try to drive a car with someone in the right front seat who is already flailing about and still popping Sinemet "so I'll be able to do stuff when we get there"? I was fooled for a long time, but it is a real syndrome, I assure you.

Jaye

I was taking the 25/250 generic carbidopa which is not CR, just stronger. Dyskinesia was frequent. Neuro asked me if I had ever tried less sinemet, which I hadn't.

Now on two 25/100s per dose, which reduces sinemet by 20% and I can already see less dyskinesia. I do use the wrapping, especially on my bad side - on both upper arms, bad ankle and wrist -full time at home and overall feel better with far less dystonia. Now the sinemet reduction could also be contributing to the less dystonia.

My sinemet always had me racing. It feels good to be calmer. I'm still working on the timing, but regardless of the amount, I think taking smaller amounts more frequently is better for me. But I no longer have to be anywhere in the mornings.

I think it's important to document this stuff. I mean, just when are we going to have another opportunity to go through life with parkinson's?


paula