Sinemet and Depression

May 27, 1999

Well now,

I have in my hot little hand the piece of paper that comes with any new

prescription. My new sleep doctor wants to start me on Sinemet soon,

so while I was at the pharmacy I ask them to give what they had on this

drug. Here is a just a portion found under

CONTRAINDICATIONS:... " As with levadopa SINEMET may cause mental

disturbances. These reactions are thought to be due to the increased

brain dopamine following administration of levodopa. All patients should

be observed carefullly for the development of depression with

concomitant suicidal tenedencies.... " Okey dokey then, that just scares

the beegeebees out of me!

Cindy

36 WA

May 27, 1999

In response to a possible connection of Sinemet and Depression, I am a nurse

and I DO know that one of the most common problems with people diagnosed with

Parkinson's Disease is Depression. I think it is found in 80 or so percent.

Is that possibly why you might have heard that Sinemet is linked with

depression? Sounds like a correlation but not truly related........ne 38

from Milwaukee, WI

May 28, 1999

Hi Cindy and All,

I took Sinemet for about a year, and didn't have depression - just

frustration after the first few months of blessed relief. I initially

thought I was cured for good! Then it began to work less well at

night, and my daytime hours became worse than the nights had ever been.

Many in the group have reported this, and it can make you feel very

discouraged and frustrated,, without it being the serious clinical

depression that is characterized by extreme despair for no apparent

reason. That was my reaction anyway, and after stopping Sinemet and

starting Mirapex, I have felt much better, even though the nights are

still not great, and daytime symptoms persist, but to a much lesser

degree. Just remember there is life after Sinemet, if you experience

this problem!

ne, 59, Lawrenceville, NJ (not the nurse ne - there are two

of us now - I'm the teacher one)

_________________________________________________________

May 28, 1999

Hi

I have been taking Sinemet for more than 6 years. I wouldn't know if I got

depressed from it or not as I've been taking Prozac or Zoloft for about 15

years. The new neuro decided I should change meds since I was getting no

sleep and daytime symptoms. I tried Mirapax but it made me so sick the first

day and I couldn't breathe so we stopped that one. Then I tried Permax which

over the course of 5 days made me increasing nauseous so we dumped that one.

Starting the other meds, though, the neuro had me lower my dose of Sinemet

from 6 CR a day to 4. Since I stopped the other meds I have been sleeping

with the 4 a day and not getting rebound. Who knew???? Maybe less can be

better!

Barbara, Webster, New York

May 28, 1999