about mirapex....

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...r/a697029.html

Pramipexole controls the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take pramipexole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pramipexole without talking to your doctor. If you are taking pramipexole to treat Parkinson's disease and you suddenly stop taking the medication, you may experience, fever, muscle stiffness, changes in consciousness, and other symptoms. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually over 7 days.
If you stop taking pramipexole for any reason, do not start to take the medication again without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to increase your dose again gradually.

There is also the possibility of getting a free sample. Your doctor's office may have some. A walk-in clinic might have some too.

And, yes, my pharmacy has always been willing to give me a few pills while waiting on the paperwork. If you have a prescription, you should be able to get a few pills at most pharmacies. Most are networked these days, I think.

Recently, a gas line broke near our house and they evacuated the neighborhood for several hours. I had to get out so quickly that I didn't get my sinemet. I went to my pharmacy, and the pharmacist just gave me a dose--no charge.

Don't know about titrating back up. That's a decision for a doctor. However, if it were me and I couldn't get with the doctor, I'd probably just think about how the drug affected me in the past and what the current dosage is. If I didn't have a problematic reaction initially and if I were currently at or near a low standard dose, I'd probably just resume my normal dose and schedule. I might also break one or two in half for the first few few doses. It's a tough call.

Karl

Mary..I agree that Jaye is absolutely right..You need the advise of a professional..If you are uncomfortable with the ER, which is completely understandable, then call a Neuro or MDS and explain your situation

Thanks everyone. I was able to get a few Mirapex and took 1/2 of one. I have an email and a phone voicemail in to my neuro.

Mary

Mary,

Please let us know how you're doing for a few days. We care a LOT.

With a few more white hairs,
Jaye

Tena,

I love the fire in you! Yes, if there is gross negligence, you really should consider suing .,.. I was screwed over by our local neuro who, to this day, will not confirm that I have Parkinson's but ironically, when I told him that I was tested extensively by the head neuro at Baylor's Parkinson & Movement Disorder Clinic, the first words out of his mouth was "Well, Baylor has better lawyers than I do."

Personally there is no way that I could sue my neuro. He honestly didn't do it to spite me, steadfast believing that I didn't have Parkinson's. This was not done with intent on his part. He truly beileved that I didn't have it. So, If I have enlightened him to help others, then I will have done my duty for the day.

An EMERGENCY ROOM is a different story!

Mary, It sounds like you're getting the fire in you as well. Keep it up!

I'm not sure that I can be of great help other than to lie on the gurney next door, but I am about two hours away from you to the east. If you want, PM me and we can swap contact info.

I'd also point out that about the same distance to the west of you is one of the best PD centers in the country at Nashville's Vanderbilt complex. If you have a driver available (try a local church) that is the emergency room to head for. Heck, the darned interns are going to beat the ER you've been dealing with.

Good luck and I'll help if I can.
-Rick

Mary,
You should have an email from me,let me know if I can help.
Scott in Knoxville

Again, many thanks to all who have responded. I still have not received my meds in the mail. Hopefully, today is the day. I did hear from my neuro who told me to go ahead with my regular dose. He said that the DBS has a protective effect. We will discuss med adjustment at the next programming session. I may be able to dump Mirapex (gradually) all together.

Mary