Is anyone using Rytary?

That is an interesting question for your doctor, @tllaes. I would be interested in the answer as well. I'm not a medical professional but just wondering if Rytary lowers blood pressure as other PD medicines do. If that it the case, then the lower energy might be from the lowered BP after the second dose? It might be worth asking about.

I'm wondering if @dianalee has an opinion about that?

If you are comfortable doing so, @tllaes, I would like to hear what your doctor has to say about the lowered energy.

Yes I am still taking Rytary and it has really helped my off time. I will see my Neurologist on Wednesday for my every 4 month check in. My question to him will be: Why do I have such a good "on time" after taking my morning dosage but my afternoon dosage which is the same doesn't give me the same energy lift? I take 3 capsules 8 hours apart beginning at 6:00 am, then 2:00 pm and then at bedtime 9:30 pm.

Hello @tllaes
I noticed that it has been over three months now since you switched to Rytary. I hope that it is still working well for you.
As you are comfortable sharing more, I would be interested in knowing how you are feeling and managing with the Rytary.
Is the "on-time" still showing an increase?

After 3 months on Rytary, we've seen no side effects, or adverse events!!

Hi, @dianalee - I'd like to join @hopeful33250 in welcoming you to Connect. Good to hear the Carbidopa/Levodopa (Rytary) has been a "win win" for the Parkinson's patient for whom you are a caregiver partner.

I'd also like to invite some members who have talked about Parkinson's into this discussion, to see if they might have had any experience with Carbidopa/Levodopa (Rytary) to share. Please meet @oronogo @mariemarie @ggopher @maxaz1 @alistair01@mbanderson @jansheridantfac @debbiemills @lsdempsey. Hoping that they may have some personal experience or other information to share.

How have the side effects been for the Carbidopa/Levodopa (Rytary), @dianalee?

Hello @dianalee

I see this is your first post. Welcome to Mayo Connect!
Thank you for sharing about Rytary. Thanks also for sharing information about financial assistance through the PAN Foundation. Good information for us all. I would also encourage to join Connect's Caregivers discussion group.

Yes, I am a Caregiver Partner for someone with PD...And with the financial assistance of the PAN Foundation I was able to get Rytary for him with no out of pocket $$$...He has gone from a frequency of Sinemet and Comtan every 2+ hrs, to Rytary every 4-5 hrs...for us, it has been a "win win."

Yes we did switch to Rytary about 30 days ago and so far it has worked well. 3 capsules are taken at 6:00am, 2:00 pm and 10:00pm for a total of 9. The on time has been increased and we have seen fewer side effects. It is expensive but so far the results are worth it.

Hi, @tllaes - wondering if you decided about the Carbidopa / Levodopa (Rytary) suggested by your doctor?

Hello @tllaes

I'm not sure if the Sinemet CR is the same as Stalevo. Check with your pharmacist and see what he/she has to say. For me personally, the Stalevo works well, but every PD patient is different. I understand how expenses for drugs can have an impact on what you can take (and how you will feel). Check with your pharmacist to see if there are any programs offered by the manufacturer of Rytary for people with RX coverage that do not have a med on their Formulary.

I would be interested in hearing what you find out. Will you post again?

Teresa