Azilect for Parkinsons

Hi,

My mother tried it last month with disappointing results. I was trying to get her off of Mirapex and combine Azilect with Stalevo which was always her combo drug with Mirapex. She shook like crazy after 2 hours of taking it and since it is only taken once a day she couldn't take anymore for the rest of the day. This was on the initial .5 mg to start. A day later she increased it to 1mg. That lasted an extra hour. I gave her an extra dose of Stalevo 100mg and it took 90 minutes for her to stop shaking. As much as I wanted her off Mirapex I had no choice but put her back on. Her body apparently craved it and within one day she had no more shakes in between doses. Her schedule is 5:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 8:00 pm of 150mg Stavelo (3x a day)  and .75mg Mirapex (2x a day). Her movements are pretty steady and she has no complaints of joint aches or trouble breathing anymore. I read that Mirapex is not recommended for older adults with PD so that's the reason I wanted her off of it.

So... Azilect didn't work for my mom. She's had Parkinsons for 10 years now. I had so much expectations from it but it's not meant to be. Good luck though. Everyone's different. I hope it works for you.

How long have you had PD? What medication were you on before and at what dose do you take Azilect?  I'm glad it works on someone.

Been on Azilect for 2 months. It's my first ( and sole) medication and I notice no change.

I've been told it can take up to that time for the med to work. It's the first med I'm taking and the only one at the moment. My symptoms aren't bad so I'm no worse off. I'n in conflict about medication. I don't know whether I should take stronger meds and go back to being as I was 5 years ago (symptom free) and assume it'll take 5 years to get to where I am now, which is in fairly good shape so I can enjoy the 5 years. Thus possibly shortening the effective life time of the meds? Risking side effects, more meds, etc. The health system isn't great here, I see my neurologist every 6 months, but could get an emergency appointment. My G.P. is supportive but not very experienced with Parkinsons. My main contact is the Parkinsons clinical nurse specialist in our area and she recommends continuing with the meds till I next see the neurologist in April. But that's a while away

I started taking Azilect as soon as it was available and the relief is subtle for me, but definitely an improvement. I have had PD for a very long time and have taken Sinemet since 1987. I have also had DBS, so I am probably further along than most of you. I had my doubts as to the bnefit from Azilect, and stopped the drug for a while, but restarted it when my symptoms worsened.

I was also told to continue it, and started on Requip as well. We'll see how it goes.

you are correct...we all have a different presentaion of symptoms. But we also have a lot of common ground. I too have noticed that I am more vulnerable to emotional meltdown when I am tired. It is important to know your limits and set realistic goals. Learn to say no to others. Learn to say no to yourself. I keep myself on a tight schedule of meds and bedtime. My activity is only half a day right now, otherwise I crash and loose precious days. I got excited and did a lot of work week before last. Too much, was exhausted all this last week, not sleeping well. It is important to listen to your body. AND pace yourself. I have registered in 2 excercise classes a week to improve my activity tolerance. Now for the good news. My insomnia gave me the opportunity to meet a newbie up at night searching for answers. We have all been there, me only a short time ago. Tell the truth, don't hide the bad stuff, don't terrify anybody, be positive. The message helps us all.    gypzchild

Hi Ive had Pd symptoms for about 13 years now. I was finally diagnosed 9 years ago in my mid 40s.
Ive been on meds since diagnosis....best for me was Pergolide but it was withdrawn due to long term side effects. Requip made me sick for months & Neupro patches were ineffective to say the least, neither could I tolerate Cabergoline/Cabaser -my consultlant believes in trying anything and every thing as people are so indiividual in their reactions!!
Finally I went on Mirapexin which worked well for a good while. Then 1mg of Azilect was added to the 3 x daily 1.5 mg of Mirapexin 4 years ago when I began to have end of dose symptoms & greater difficulty walking. Within a week I felt an improvement especially with walking. I tolerated the Azilect well without side effects.
Over the last 12 months my symptoms became progressively worse until I could hardly walk, couldnt think properly, had episodes of freezing and had an uncontrolable tremor. I was really in bad way & still only 56. I really didnt want to start LDopa so young (seeing it as a last resort) and always said Id not take it, but I came to a point where I had to agree with my Dr and try it. I wish id listened to his advice sooner

I am now taking Stalevo 50 (A triple combination of Levadopa Carbidopa and Entacapone) so the levadopa component is minimal Its completely turned my life around. its brilliant .I take this in addition to 4.5mg of Mirapexin a day and the daily 1mg of Azilect which I am reluctant to stop given its neuro protective qualities.

All i can say is we are all different ...what works for 1 doesn't work for another. Hang on in there all of you and if your Dr suggests taking something give it a try and see!

Hi,

I have been diagnosed  PD for several years and my progression has fortunately been slow. I have however noticed a change recenlty,  as has my neurologist.

I have tolerated both levadopa and mirapex quite well but for the overwhelming fatigue which seems to plague many of us. The helpful effects of these drugs  on my physical symptoms has seemed less so lately and they do not seem to last as long as they used to. My doctor suggested Resagiline as an addition to my medication cocktail explaining the hopeful predictions that it may slow down progression.

I suppose only time will tell about that but for now after only a week on the drug I can't tell you how great it feels to be back in the game. I feel like my brain has been lifted out of a fog and I have more energy. As for side effects - so far just dry mouth. It may well be too soon to say whether or not I will be able totolerate it in the long term but I find with PD you take what you can get. I'm thankful for even a short trip back to a level playing field.

Someone asked me once what is was like having Parkinson's and I quoted the lines from the movie Forrest Gump because to me that's how it feels "Parkinson's is like  box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get" For me, everyday is different - some better some worse. 

I don't know what lies ahead for me but I've learned to take one day at  time and live it to the fullest of my capabilities on that given day.

I have just joined this forum and it is my first venture into this arena. Sorry for going on and on but I just realized that this is the first time I've ever really expressed my inner most feelings about this PD thing that we share.

Blessings to you all