My Parkinson's Medications: Dosages, Side Effects & Lessons Learned
In this episode, I break down 15 years of Parkinson's medications, sharing my journey from early treatments to my current medication regimen. I discuss dosage changes, side effects, off-periods, dyskinesia, and how I manage symptoms daily. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson's for years, this video provides real-world insights and tips on medication timing, adjustments, and self-advocacy. 👉 Have Parkinson's? What's been your experience with medications? Let's talk in the comments! ⚠️ Important Note This is my personal Parkinson's medication journey-what works for me may not work for everyone. Parkinson's is different for each person, and medication plans should always be tailored to individual needs. Before making any changes to your medication or treatment, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. 🎥 Watch The 5 Things I Take WITH My Parkinson’s Meds – • The 5 Things I Take WITH My Parkinson... 📜 Complete Medication Breakdown for 0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 Years As promised, here's a full breakdown of the medications I've taken over the past 15 years with Parkinson's, including dosages, timing, and adjustments over time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🩺 0-5 Years (Early Diagnosis & Initial Treatment) 💊 Levodopa/Carbidopa (100/25 mg) – 1.5 tablets every 4 hours 💊 Pramipexole (1 mg) – Once per day, taken with the first dose of Levodopa 💊 Citalopram (for anxiety/depression) – One pill every morning 🕒 Medication taken every 4 hours ✔️ Early on, my symptoms were manageable, but off-periods became more noticeable over time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🩺 5-10 Years (Adjusting for Increased Off-Periods & Symptom Progression) 💊 Levodopa/Carbidopa (100/25 mg) – 3 tablets every 4 hours, later reduced to 3 tablets every 3 hours 💊 Pramipexole (1 mg) – 3x per day 💊 Citalopram – Stopped taking after 7 years 🕒 Medication taken every 3 hours ✔️ Started experiencing shorter "on" periods, more noticeable off-periods before the next dose. ✔️ Adjusted timing to every 3 hours instead of increasing dosage drastically. ✔️ Dyskinesia started to appear mildly but was manageable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🩺 10-15 Years (Current Medication Routine & Daily Management) 💊 Levodopa/Carbidopa (100/25 mg) – 4 tablets every 3 hours 💊 Pramipexole (2 mg) – 3x per day 🕒 Medication taken every 3 hours ✔️ Increased dosage to maintain symptom control as off-periods became more severe. ✔️ Dyskinesia is still mild, but I notice more involuntary movement if I take too much. ✔️ Timing is more crucial than ever-if I'm late even 20 minutes, I feel it significantly. ---------------------------------------🔴Live Q&A - Help Me Pick the Best Time take the poll: • Post ---------------------------------------- ⚠️ Final Thoughts ✔️ Medication is a tool, not a cure-what worked at year 1 didn't work at year 10. ✔️ Advocate for yourself-your neurologist only sees you every 6 months, so track your meds, symptoms, and adjustments. ✔️ Exercise & lifestyle changes matter just as much as medication. Have any questions or want to share your Parkinson's medication journey? Drop a comment below! 👇 📌 More Resources & Ways to Stay Connected: 🎥 Watch Episode 1 – https://youtube.com/live/-xC2odBnN08 📌 Subscribe for More Content – https://bit.ly/3262ymG 👀ALL Living with Parkinson's Podcast Here: https://bit.ly/4h27D3y ✅ Timestamps: (click to jump) ⏳ Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: My Parkinson's Journey 00:47 - First 5 Years: Initial Medications & Dosage 04:21 - Timing Matters: How Often I Take My Meds 09:56 - Managing Off Periods & Adjustments Over Time 16:20 - 5-10 Years: Increased Dosage & Experimenting with Timing 23:28 - The Importance of Exercise & Lifestyle Changes 31:29 - 15 Years In: My Current Medication Schedule 36:43 - Side Effects, Dyskinesia & Learning to Adapt 37:41 - Final Thoughts: Advocating for Yourself & The Future 🔔 Subscribe for More Parkinson's Awareness & Support! https://bit.ly/3262ymG #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsDisease #MedicationJourney #LivingWithParkinsons #NeurodegenerativeDiseases #Health #MedicalStory #ChronicIllness #Levodopa #ParkinsonsAwareness #HealthJourney #MovementDisorder #Dyskinesia #BrainHealth #PatientExperience
