1. < Parkinson's Disease

Questions about Azilect as a mono therapy for Parkinson's

Posted by burgle @burgle, May 4, 2016

Hi does anybody have good results taking Azilect as a mono therapy in early PD? Some say it also slows PD progression. I have moderate tremor of my left hand and arm. Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

ggopher | @ggopher | Jun 7, 2016
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @burgle and @ggopher. We took your questions to a Mayo Clinic pharmacist. @burgle, with respect..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @burgle and @ggopher. We took your questions to a Mayo Clinic pharmacist.

@burgle, with respect to Azilect slowing the progression of Parkinson's she writes: "There is some evidence that Azilect may have neuroprotective effects that delay onset of symptoms and progression of neuronal deterioration. It is not well known if this is noticeable to patients or not."

@ggopher, as for your question about interactions with certain foods, she writes:
"Azilect is a Monamine Oxidase B Inhibitor (MAO B Inhibitor). With non-selective MAO inhibitors, or those drugs that inhibit both MAO A and B, there can be severe interactions with tyramine containing foods. These types of foods are aged cheeses, cured meats, sauerkraut, soy sauce and draft beers. Food that has been improperly stored or spoiled may also interact with the medicine. These interactions may lead to severe increases in blood pressure. While this should only occur with the nonselective MAO inhibitors, the product information with Azilect recommends avoiding foods that have very high tyramine amounts (more than 150 mg). Additionally, at doses higher than 1 mg per day, Azilect becomes more non-selective, so the risk of interaction with tyramine containing foods is increased. Basically, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the dietary restrictions unless you eat a lot of the aged cheeses, cured meats, etc, but it is good to be cautious."

As always I have to add: "There may also be drug interactions with Azilect, so it is important to discuss all of your medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this one."

Hope this helps. Have a good long weekend.

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Hi Colleen,<br><br>Thank you so much. The summary certainly looks encouraging. I'll do some more reading in the referenced material, but it looks like I can talk myself into trying the Azilect.<br><br>I've had various opinions from various nurses, haven't tried a pharmacist (Tricare/Express Scripts so it is a call and not eye-to-eye) and can probably link up with a dietician through my medical/hospital group. I have PD group in a week and I will bring it up then, but it is sponsored by the same folks that have me confused now. <br><br>I'll keep you posted.<br><br>Steve

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 8, 2016

@ggopher I'd appreciate your getting back to me on whatever information you find out and what you decide. In the meantime, I'm going to keep digging around too.

Hey @burgle. How are you doing? We haven't heard from you since you started this great thread about Azilect. Have you decided to take it?

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 26, 2017

@burgle Just wanted to follow up with you to see if you changed to the new medication. If so, how is it working for you. Also, @ggopher and @trouble4343 how are you doing with your medication treatment? All of us @chrisj2491 @denie57 @johnjames @tntredhead @aperob @caryp43 and @macbeth @knightkris would enjoy hearing from you.

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1 reply
trouble4343 | @trouble4343 | Jan 26, 2017

Gave it the 'old college try' but like all the other meds that end in "olol" after 5-6 weeks they stopped working and I'm shaking badly and looking again. I just might see if I can go through the same "olol's" I did before but if they work at the beginning, I'll switch to a different one before they stop working.

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trouble4343 | @trouble4343 | Jan 26, 2017
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@burgle Just wanted to follow up with you to see if you changed to the new..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@burgle Just wanted to follow up with you to see if you changed to the new medication. If so, how is it working for you. Also, @ggopher and @trouble4343 how are you doing with your medication treatment? All of us @chrisj2491 @denie57 @johnjames @tntredhead @aperob @caryp43 and @macbeth @knightkris would enjoy hearing from you.

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I used to take a MAO I for bipolar depression and the list of foods I couldn't eat (or drink) was LONG!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 26, 2017

@trouble4343 Thanks for your feedback and response. Keep us in the loop as to how your meds are working for you. We all learn from each other! Teresa

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safari1949 | @safari1949 | Feb 2, 2020
In reply to @psvantx "What are the advantages of taking only Azilect during the very early stages of Parkinson’s?" + (show)
@psvantx

<p>What are the advantages of taking only Azilect during the very early stages of Parkinson’s?</p>

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I have been on Azilect for about 7 years and along with exercise has kept Parkinson’s from getting worse. I’m a believer

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2 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 2, 2020
In reply to @safari1949 "I have been on Azilect for about 7 years and along with exercise has kept Parkinson’s..." + (show)
@safari1949

I have been on Azilect for about 7 years and along with exercise has kept Parkinson’s from getting worse. I’m a believer

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@safari1949 I agree with you! The combination of meds and exercise (very important to exercise on a regular basis) is a great combination!

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1 reply
psvantx | @psvantx | Feb 2, 2020
In reply to @safari1949 "I have been on Azilect for about 7 years and along with exercise has kept Parkinson’s..." + (show)
@safari1949

I have been on Azilect for about 7 years and along with exercise has kept Parkinson’s from getting worse. I’m a believer

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Music to my ears.....thank-you so much! 😘

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psvantx | @psvantx | Feb 2, 2020
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@safari1949 I agree with you! The combination of meds and exercise (very important to exercise on..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@safari1949 I agree with you! The combination of meds and exercise (very important to exercise on a regular basis) is a great combination!

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Thank-you.....I walk a lot on a daily basis....6,000-10,000 steps. What type exercises do you do?

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