Anyone taking Azilect?

Recently dx (Dec 08) with early PD.  Wondered if anyone else is taking Azilect and what your experiece with it has been?

Chat room is a totally new experience for us but we need to connect with others on this. At this point we have only shared with family.  52 years old and exercise has always been a lifestyle choice and determined to stay active.

What is a DAT scan?  We had the MRI done to rule out any brain tumors or something else.

Thank you for the info.  We are still trying to adjust to all of this.  I have been reading other post and learned that the DAT scan is not available in the US.  We are very comfortable with our DR and our grown children are wonderfully supportive.  We have decided not to tell my husbands elderly parents.  We are currently in the cold dead of winter and leave in the morning for a warm vacation.  Really looking forward to getting away and enjoying being together. Again, thank you for sharing!

There is a scan called a Dopascan {123}B-CIT that is available through research studies.  I believe it is a type of spect scan.  I had it through indd ( Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases) in New Haven, CT.  They have been wonderful.  vboggy

I just found out I have Parkinsons about 2 weeks ago. My Dr. put me on
azilect. I have no side effects and for the first few days I delighted in no tremmors, but now every once in awhile I do have a tremmor. I also have essential tremmors which I don't take any meds for. I am 63 years old and I too am trying to get use to this problem.

doglady3
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I was diagnosed at age 65 and like you have essential tremor. I am now in seventh year and not on any PD meds. Recently visited top neurologist in Vancouver via referral. He told me that I have a tremor intensive version and that it progresses slower but that I would eventually need to start on Sinemet. My PD tremor effects only my right side, first leg (started off with a bang) then hand and arm six months later. It was scary at first but I soon got used to it. I am taking Clonazepam 3x1mg/day, started on 3x.5mg/day for essential which helped, sort of like taking a glass of wine before a meal but longer lasting. But effect is now starting to wear off now after four years, which means I would need to increase dose again, I think I will live with it as is for now, keep in mind that this is a very difficult drug to wean off. I don't know how bad your PD tremor is or if it effects both sides. If your PD tremor is mild you are probably doing the right thing by starting PD meds as you do not have tremor intensive PD and it will effect your motor movements sooner. If this is the case and if it were me I would try Sinemet first, and only when you feel that your motor skills are slowing, you can always add Azilect later after it is a proven medication and hopefully the cost will come down. Tremor is very difficult to treat so try not to make it a priority and try not to hide it like I did, as difficult as it may seem, people are very understanding. Make stretching and exercise a priority. The longer you leave it the more difficult it becomes. Use it or lose it! Ask your physician for a referral to a neurologist with movement disorder experience. Most doctors are too quick on the draw with their prescription pads. PD progresses slowly so don't be alarmed if you have to wait six months to see the neuro. Learn as much as you can and present him with questions that are important to you. Good luck.