@brinkmanlc4440
Just my opinions: you did not say what kind of doctor you are getting advice from;
it would be most helpful to be consulting a "movement disorder specialist" (i.e. compared to a general neurologist or primary care) since that kind of doctor (the movement disorder specialist")will know more about the meds available, to assist you in finding something that helps you.
The "gold standard" levodopa did not work for me either.
PS I have learned to not say I am "tired" or "sleepy" and instead say I have "fatigue." I have found many providers think tired=the way you feel after too much exertion, and it would go away if you just rest for a while. But parkinson "tired" is not that, I think "fatigue" is a better word. My parkinson fatigue does not go away if I just rest for a while. My parkinson "tired" comes from within my body, and does not result from too much activity.
Problem is you may hear them respond that "fatigue" is not specific enough, or that they don't know what you mean.
Similarly "sleepy" is a risky word to use, then they will think you have sleep problems and send you to a sleep doctor. The sleep doc might find something sleep related, but it won't necessarily get you better parkinsons control. Been there, done that.
Words have to be chosen carefully.
Best of luck!

@brinkmanlc4440 When I was first diagnosed, I don't remember my symptoms being too bad, and I only took a MAO-B inhibitor. Jumping right to Carbidopa/Levodopa may be a bit much. However, I am not a doctor. I agree with finding a movement disorder specialist and not just a general neurologist.

Taking 25 mg/100 mg dosage has always been safe for me. Taking more than one tablet at a time can sometimes lead to problems.

Hello @brinkmanlc4440 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I certainly can understand the problems you are having. I also started taking C/L (carbidopa/levodopa) while I was still working. My doctor told me to take it with low-protein meals (which resulted in less nausea), and she also titrated my dose. The titration went like this: I began taking 1/2 tablet each day for a week, then increased by 1/2 tablet each week until I reached 3 full tablets a day. It took a while, but the side effects were greatly reduced.

I have a concern that you went off the drug. Did you consult with your doctor beforehand? There are lots of other PD drugs that can help you.

What is your most bothersome PD symptom right now?

@brinkmanlc4440 I was diagnosed with early onset PD 17 years ago. The neurologist who diagnosed me recommended I wait until "the last ditch" before starting C/L. I tried it out 10 years ago and had a bad reaction. Tried it again last year and tolerated it better, but still didn't like how it made me feel. I have certainly progressed over the years, but so far, I prefer living without coping with complications of medication on top of an already difficult disease. My path is not for everyone, but I do like to let people know from time to time that it's possible to manage in other ways.