Weekly Drug holiday
 

In the last quarter, I have been on regular drug holidays every weekend (not taking any oral medication nor patch) and I felt pretty well on those days (free of medical side effects: drowsiness & etc) esp. after exercise. However, one of my neurologists advised against this practice as I should be keeping a more consistent supply of synthetic dopamine through the intake of sinemet or neuro patch. Appreciate your comment and advice?

Thanks

LING

well, your doctor is probably correct.
 

do you have a hard time getting back to where you were symptom-wise after your holiday??
It is generally accepted that drug holidays are a bad idea. Once you get on the complete protocol, (drugs and amounts taken), it can be life-threatening to stop. MAny die after going off all their meds at once. I can't think of the name for it right now.
I'd have to say though, if there are no noticeable side effects, and you like the result, then continue the practice.
We are all unique in our response to meds.

Charlie

Thanks for your advice, Charlie and you hit
 

the core of my concern. After regular drug holidays, I did experience difficulties in getting to "normal" medication life on Monday - slow kick in of sinemet, mild dyskinesa...so "I dont like Monday!".:mad:

I am in dilemma: I feel so relief and side effect free during the drug holidays yet I have to worry the challenge on Monday. BUT you are probably right that I should not risk my life for the short term relief! Thanks again!:winky:

LING

I agree with Charlie
 

Charlie knows what he is talking about. If you have dopamine receptors putting out dopamine at all, they would have to work awfully hard when the synthetic was withdrawn. You might cause yourself longterm harm by taking week-end holidays. Ask Charlie in a Private Message about a surgery called DBS surgery. Research is showing positive feedback for patients to consider it a younger age.

Vicky

Holidays may make the side-effects worse
 

I've read that the side-effects can diminish or even disappear over time. I wonder if the holidays are keeping your body from adjusting. It may be that the holidays are making the side-effects worse. I'm suggesting a "stable-state" approach: stay on your medication schedule for several weeks, or maybe months, and see if the side-effects lessen. Our bodies have amazing ability to adapt, but we have to give our body the chance to do so.

It also could be time for a talk with your doctor.

Karl