Medications for Parkinson's

Hello @edroz01

Amantadine is a medication that I have used for several years in combination with Sinemet. I generally take it in the evening. It helps me with the extra movements that accompany Parkinson's. Some people use it for fatigue.

Are you considering this medication to help with PD symptoms?

We are currently trying it. Take it with morning sinemet to boost energy. Only been taking two weeks.

I took Amantadine for about three days and I could not focus and had suicide thoughts. I discontinued it pronto.
shaari

I use it twice a day and it helps in movement improvement.

...Am 84 and going for the first time to see a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s. Can you tell me what early signs you experienced that led up to your diagnosis of Parkinson’s? Is Parkinson’s the same as Parkinsonion?
Thank you for your response. TB

Hello @tonmarbanks

You ask a good question! All of us in this Parkinson's support group would probably answer the question differently, as PD affects each person in a different form.

For me, I was having gait/balance problems for several years. Especially when I was tired, I would swerve to the right side when I walked and I also had some foot dragging (also on the right side). There were also some balance problems and problems with small motor coordination (difficulty putting on jewelry, etc.). I hope that others will also comment as to what their initial symptoms were as well.

I would encourage you to check-out the Davis Phinney Foundation website and/or the Michael J. Fox website as they both have good information about Parkinson's symptoms as well as treatment.

If you are comfortable sharing more, what type of symptoms are you experiencing that led to an appointment with a neurologist?

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome. In February 2022, I had surgery and it ramped up the tremors in my jaw, hands and involuntary movement in my left foot. My neurologist told me it was due to psych meds I was taking to treat bipolar disorder, took me off that drug through the guidance of my psychiatrist, and then it was a waiting game. Since then, it has now been upgraded to Parkinson's disease. I am getting worse even on carbidopa/levodopa. I am devastated because I already have a lot of chronic conditions. This condition is very difficult to deal with because, when under stress, the symptoms get worse and are a "tell" that I am nervous.

Has anyone else had this experience and how do you deal with the fear of being in public?

Thanks, Teresa, for responding to @tonmarbanks. I too have balance problems but the biggest issue is a tremor in my jaw that gets so bad, it becomes audible and painful. I also have tremors in my hands and involuntary movement in my left foot. I'm also losing my voice and am trying to deal with that issue. I don't know how to emotionally deal with the symptoms of this condition. I pray others can share how they take care of themselves since their diagnosis. Thanks

Hi @tonmarbanks,

It has been a while since you last posted. Have you seen the neurologist yet? Do you have a diagnosis of PD and/or any treatment?

Hi @colleenl2008 and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. Having multiple health problems does make finding the right medication and treatment plan difficult. I'm glad to hear that your neurologist is working with the psychiatrist to get your medications sorted out.

I have found that medication, alone, is not enough to treat PD. There are therapies that can assist with Parkinson's symptoms that may help you. If you have not had PD related Physical Therapy, please ask for a referral for this PT. "Big and Loud" is a PD physical therapy that is great for movement as well as voice problems.

If you can get a referral to a speech therapist, they can also be very helpful in managing any speech or swallowing problems that come with PD. Do you have swallowing problems?

If for any reason, you cannot get physical therapy go online to YouTube and type in "Exercises for PD" and "Voice Exercises for PD." You will find lots of resources there and you can use them as many times during the day as you need them. Also look for short videos of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a great way to help with balance. You can find Tai Chi videos on YouTube also (15 minutes or so) with Tai demonstrations that you can follow.

The use of medication only, will not solve all of the PD symptoms. Exercise is a very, very important adjunct to medication for PD. If you have regular exercise, it improves your symptoms as well as stress that comes with those symptoms.

Are you currently involved with any physical therapy or exercise programs?

Here is my favorite Tai Chi video. It is 20 minutes long, but if you can't do the whole 20 minutes, do as much as you can.