Started Carbidopa/Levodopa Today

@sparkyr70 - I moved your post to this discussion so that you can speak with more members who have been on co-beneldopa (Levodopa):

- Started Carbidopa/Levodopa Today https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/started-levidopa-carvidopa-today/

Hoping that members such as @jakerobertson @hopeful33250 @kayak461 @kinglue will return to this discussion to share a bit about whether they or anyone they know may have experienced hair loss from taking co-beneldopa (Levodopa).

sparkyr70 - To what degree have you experienced hair loss since taking this medication? Is it significant and something you have to proactively hide, slight thinning in a spot, or something else?

I have been on Rytary since 2021. About 6 months ago I have experienced hair loss. Dermatologist have not helped. I looked up Levodopa and did read that Levodopa side affect is rare, but does happen.

I have tried to take this combination of drugs on two occasions and have severe reactions. The reactions were--Extreme acid indigestion--Blurred vision--Blood in my stools--Hallucinations--Depression. However I have an acquaintance who takes the drug and does great. I have done research on the drug and it is very effective for most patients. I dont want to discourage you in any way, but if you have any probems, contact your Doctor immediately .

@kayak461

You have suggested some great resources to @kinglue!

@kinglue
Here is some information about physical therapy for PD from the Parkinson's Foundation website: https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/physical-therapy

Here is another article from the American Parkinson's Disease Association about the value of physical therapy/exercise: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons-disease/physical-therapy/

Here is a link to a video about LSVT exercise

@kinglue
For some people, C/L does help with tremors. If C/L does not, several other meds help PD patients with tremors.

Here is an article from the Cleveland Clinic website, listing the different types of meds that can be used to treat PD symptoms:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/parkinsons-disease-medications

@kinglue …..I’m so sorry that this is happening to you, it’s not what any of us want to hear from a Doctor. I too have recently started the Levodopa/Carbidopa medication….about 7 months ago. My diagnosis came after having a DATScan. My symptoms are not many at this point, at 73 it’s hard for me to distinguish how I feel and whether it’s Parkinson’s or old age making me feel this way. I wanted to point you to a couple of beneficial resources to learn about this disease, and help you navigate your life going forward. One is the the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (https://www.apdaparkinson.org/handbook-download/); the other is the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s ! You will find many YouTube videos from them. They also host Webinars, and Podcasts that help you understand what’s coming, what’s out there to help, etc. I encourage you to check them out! Hang in there my friend!

@hopeful33250

Does the meds do anything but help the tremors?

Not yet. Why physical therapy.

@kinglue
I recall when I was first diagnosed, it was difficult to accept. However, when medication and physical therapy and regular exercise were added to my treatment plan, I began to feel better.

Has your doctor referred you for physical therapy, yet?