What medications are there Parkinsons

I take Carbadopa levodopa,
Gabapentin, Trazadone. My neurologist recently had me start taking a Gabapentin at lunch as I was having breakthrough tremors or as there sometimes it's called off time tremors in my right foot. I found that I have to take my meds at the same time every day as it helps to avoid off times. Talk to your Neurologist and see about possibly bumping up your meds.

Hello @ichbindck and welcome to the Parkinson's (PD) support group! I see from your post that you were recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. It is important to understand how medications and exercise can help with the symptoms of PD. When I was first diagnosed, I began taking Sinemet (Carbidopa/Levodopa). It helped a great deal with my balance and gait problems (when I was fatigued, I had difficulty walking straight and tended to have a staggering gait). While I've never had tremors, as most PD patients have, Amantadine can be a helpful medication for extra movements.

Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic website listing the many types of medications used to treat the symptoms of PD. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376062

Exercise is an important treatment for PD symptoms. There are physical therapists trained to work with PD patients. Have you been given a referral for physical therapy? If not, please ask your neurologist for a referral. Here is a link to an article from the Parkinson's Foundation website, explaining the importance of exercise for folks with PD: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376062

You mentioned in your post about your concerns regarding the side effects of medications. I think that is something that concerns all of us who find ourselves being prescribed a new medication. I suppose you have to weigh the benefits versus the risks. If you are having difficulty with balance and dizziness, you might find the medication to be helpful in preventing falls. Falls are a common problem for those of us with PD.

An important factor when starting PD medications is to titrate the dosage as you begin. I'll give you an example from my own experience. My neurologist titrated carbidopa/levadopa this way: in the first week, I took half a tablet once a day; in the second week, I took half a tablet twice a day. This schedule continued until I was up to three tablets every day. Titration helps to avoid nausea and some of the other side effects that can accompany this type of medication.

Did your doctor suggest any specific medications for you?