Virus or sinemet reaction?

[Formydad]

I'm posting for my dad, who currently takes 25/100 (I think, it may be 50/100) of carbidopa/levodopa (the bottle is not labeled, "Sinemet") 3 or 4 times per day, plus one long acting one at night before bed.

Over the past couple of months, he has struggled off and on with GI issues, either just diarrhea or vomiting and diarrhea.

I've been reading that GI issues are a side effect of Sinemet. How can we distinguish whether this is just a virus that is hanging on (he's been to the doctor and had blood and stool sample tests, which revealed nothing) or a reaction to the Sinemet. Would reducing his dose, but taking the pills more often help?

He's already lost quite a bit of weight, and not being able to keep anything down isn't helping matters.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[lurkingforacure]

Originally Posted by Formydad

I'm posting for my dad, who currently takes 25/100 (I think, it may be 50/100) of carbidopa/levodopa (the bottle is not labeled, "Sinemet") 3 or 4 times per day, plus one long acting one at night before bed.

Over the past couple of months, he has struggled off and on with GI issues, either just diarrhea or vomiting and diarrhea.

I've been reading that GI issues are a side effect of Sinemet. How can we distinguish whether this is just a virus that is hanging on (he's been to the doctor and had blood and stool sample tests, which revealed nothing) or a reaction to the Sinemet. Would reducing his dose, but taking the pills more often help?

He's already lost quite a bit of weight, and not being able to keep anything down isn't helping matters.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

I'd first call his neuro and let him know what is happening. Then I'd get my dad on a daily dose of organic yogurt to try to help balance his gut. Be sure all the vomiting and diarrhea have not dehydrated him or thrown his electrolytes out of balance...perhaps give him some pedialyte or gatorade although you have to read to be sure to get the one that's not full of sugars. Lots of good fluids, clean water (not tap) to help hydrate him fully.

Then you have to consider that he may just not be able to tolerate the drug, maybe switch to another manufacturer? Google the drug maker to see if others have had this reaction, and also I would talk to the pharmacist. They can be incredibly helpful.

Good luck, your dad is lucky to have you

[moondaughter]

Originally Posted by Formydad

I'm posting for my dad, who currently takes 25/100 (I think, it may be 50/100) of carbidopa/levodopa (the bottle is not labeled, "Sinemet") 3 or 4 times per day, plus one long acting one at night before bed.

Over the past couple of months, he has struggled off and on with GI issues, either just diarrhea or vomiting and diarrhea.

I've been reading that GI issues are a side effect of Sinemet. How can we distinguish whether this is just a virus that is hanging on (he's been to the doctor and had blood and stool sample tests, which revealed nothing) or a reaction to the Sinemet. Would reducing his dose, but taking the pills more often help?

He's already lost quite a bit of weight, and not being able to keep anything down isn't helping matters.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

this may not be a long term answer but has proven invaluable to me. Take a cup of fresh brown rice andn cover it with 4 cups of water....bring to a low simmer for 30 to 40 minutes making a broth. Strain the liquid and drink as a tea- it will be mucilagenous which will relieve inflammation in the digestive tract- this liquid is also full of B vitamins and is commonly used in nursing homes for those who can't keep any food down and are dehydrating.

coconut water is said to restore electrolyte balance.

best,
md

[lindylanka]

Knew someone with PD who had something similar when she started on Sinemet, a lot of nausea and vomiting, and sometimes dizziness too, who you don't mention. She is in the UK and was prescribed an anti nausea drug called domperidone and it improved her life immensely. I cannot tell whether this is the cause of your dad's problem, but if it reads as similar, then discuss it with him, and perhaps the neuro can help. Nausea/sickness in the early days with levodopa in a known issue.

[pegleg]

As lurkingforacure said, your dad is very lucky to have you. So many side effects from medications are brushed off aS a virus or something else. You make it sound as if he has not had such problems until he started the Sinemet.

SeVere nausea is not uncommon when starting Sinemet (generic name carbidopa/levodopa). Taking his dosage with a small carbohydratE snack might be helpful. Foods high in protein tend to weaken the potency or efficacy of the medication. For detailed info on most medications, visit www.rxlist.com.
Specific info on how the mechanism works can be found here
http://www.rxlist.com/sinemet-drug/c...armacology.htm

If your dad has been taking Sinemet for several months, possibly as little as several weeks and his diarrhea and vomiting just began recently, it is probably unrelated to the Sinemet. However, do NOT stop taking Sinemet abruptly without your doctors' direct observation, as a fatal reaction can occur (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)

Best to you, and thank you for being such a good caregiver!
Peggy

[Formydad]

So I found out he's taking 50/200 and his dosage was increased a couple of months ago.

Could that large of a dose at one time be causing these issues? Would perhaps taking a smaller dose 4x per day as opposed to that dose 3x per day make a difference?

He has an appointment to see a GI to see if it's something separate from the PD altogether.

Also, for those of you who have lost weight due to PD, have you been able to put it back on? Or at least some? He's down about 8 or 10 pounds, and he certainly didn't have any extra to spare.

Thank you all again for your responses.

[pegleg]

Yes, changing to smaller dosEs throughout the day might help. Talk with his pharmacist ( theyre usually more accessible than the doctor), but try to keep the neurologist updated on what he's trying.

I have lost 50 lbs and don't expect to regain it due to my constant movement from dyskinesia. The only Time i stop moving is when I sleep. And I don't do much of that.
Best to you. Keep us posted.
Peg