My Doc says protein and Sinemet don't go well together (not exactly like he put it) One of the other members of our support group is given 2 bottles of "Ensure-like" drink before she takes her morning Sinemet - and they are high in protein. Research I have done suggests there should be a time-span between protein and Sinemet. One of the other members takes a high protein drink every day. I don't think my Doc would like it if I did that. He says get the 'normal' amount of protein you get with meals, don't add any extra. It screws up the way the Sinemet works in the body. (non-technical definition)

Who knows when I was diagnosed? Tremor started years ago, but it may have been Essential Tremor (which is causing a lot of problems right now!). The stiffness et.al., was first treated in 1995 and I was given some "medicine" for Parkinson's. Then they decided against it and treatment and meds stopped. A couple of years ago I went back to the Doc who had diagnosed the Essential Tremor and asked him if I had Parkinson's and after some tests and watching me walk, he said yes and started me on Sinemet. I have taken a variety of strengths and amounts and whatever and am now on 5 -- 25/250mg a day at 6, 10, 2, 6, and 10. Recently I started on Mysoline and when we got to 3 -- 50mg at night, the Essential part of my tremor pretty much stopped. WONDERFUL. I can't tell when the Sinemet kicks in, I never have felt it. Don't know what that means.

ForTrouble: I was recently diagnosed, Agent Orange related assumed. 70. On Sinemet 25/100.
Medical staff at PD center here says don't take Sinemet within an hour of protein as protein interferes with absorption. They also say to take it with sugary drink like juice to hapelp it cross the brain-blood barrier. I can't tell much difference but I am doing it their way.

Don't see much traffic in this group - would like to start discussion of Azilect and food restrictions. RX brochure and doctors don't say much but mfrs website and on-line stories of high blood pressure from eating processed meat, eggplant, cheese and everything else I normally eat made me afraid to start taking it.

Thanks for the info about senemet and protein. My husband has been on both for several years but will talk to his new local doc about this. Also the fact of taking it with a sugary drink was interesting. Two things to do reserch on. Thanks again for sharing.

Not sure what I posted last. Guidance from new doctor is 20-30 minute standoff between protein and Sinimet if taken with caffeinated soft drink. Diet soda is OK and carbonation helps with constipation.<br>Worth asking about<br><br>Steve

@ggopher Yes, carbonated beverages or orange juice help the Sinemet go to work quicker.

I left off a few details. Take the Sinemet with 4 oz of caffeinated soda before mealtime then he added a 4th dose with water at bedtime so I'd quit kicking so much in my sleep. Not sure it is helping. I use the 12 oz bottles of soda, one a day.<br><br>Steve

THere is a site that is written just for that purpose- Protein's and a full list of food for Parkinson's folks that will help- it's on the cover of daily living with parkinson's.