Answering your questions

I have been flooded with questions, all basically about the same topic: insomnia. Clearly a lot of Parkinson’s patients our there are suffering from this most irritating and exhausting symptom. Forgive me for answering you all together in today’s blog, for I usually answer every e-mail personally, but typing is becoming difficult for me and writing the same reply to 23 people seemed a little silly. I am not a doctor and have no medical training, and just want to make it clear that I am simply a patient who is sharing information, useful tips and my personal experience with you. Every patient is different, so what medicines work for me, may not necessarily work for you. In answer to your questions: The pill I take at night is called Clonazepam (generic name), which I now take one hour before I retire. I had been taking it too late at night and it was therefore not as effective. The Dopamine also has been spaced out at four hourly intervals during the day, making sure I don’t take it too close to eating food, in particular protein. I try and wait a whole hour after taking the Dopamine before eating. Sometimes this cannot be avoided, if one is going out or eating at someone’s house. I am in the fortunate position of being under the care of a very good neurologist, and whenever he suggests a change of medications or schedule, I know that he has my best interest at heart. Thank goodness, this combination is working and I am sleeping around 6 hours a night now, instead of 2 or 3 hours! A huge difference!!! If you are suffering insomnia, speak to your doctor on your next visit and ask what changes you can make to help alleviate this symptom.