Birdlover-ga
This is a great question, but the answer is fairly non-definitive.
Each patient is different, as is the efficacy of both CoQ10 and
Sinemet. Any information presented here is for informational purposes
only. You are urged to ask your physician before taking any
medications, even over-the-counter medicines, if you suffer from
Parkinson’s Disease.
Co-enzyme (also called CoQ10, Q10, or ubiquinone) is a naturally
occurring nutrient, produced by our bodies, and found in some of our
plant and animal food sources. It is essential for cellular energy
production. It appears that it may be helpful in the treatment of
Parkinson’s disease, as well as Lou Gerhig’s disease (ALS)
http://www.greencanyon.com/products/r100030.htm
There is not a lot of publicly available information yet on the
effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), but I have found these few sites:
An article, just out October 15, 2002, on the National Parkinson’s
Foundation website says:
“CoQ10 was safe and well tolerated at doses of up to 1200 mg/day.
Less disability developed in subjects on CoQ10 than in those on
placebo, and the benefit was greatest in people receiving the highest
dosage. CoQ10 appears to slow the progression of PD, but the results
need to be confirmed in a larger study.
However, based on studies researchers suggest 1200mg of CoQ10 daily
to slow the progression of PD. To date, no toxicities have been
reported. Occasional mild stomach upset may occur. Taking CoQ10 with
meals usually alleviates this symptom. ”
(The abstract from the Archives of Neurology Vol. 59, October 2002
was modified by Dr Abe Lieberman)
http://www.parkinson.org/newscoq10.htm
From this Harvard site:
"Although the serum levels of CoQ10 is normal in patients with
Parkinson's disease, CoQ10 is able to attenuate the MPTP-induced loss
of striatal dopaminergic neurons."
http://lansbury.bwh.harvard.edu/Literature/PD2001/synuclein_sorted.htm
Sinemet is the brand name of a carbidopa/levodopa compound, a medicine
used for all types Parkinsonism. (This benefits of this drug was made
“famous” in the movie “Awakenings”, with Robert DeNiro and Robin
Williams.)
Parkinson’s disease causes destruction of brain stem cells. Since this
area of the brain produces dopamine, Parkinson’s patients produce
little to no dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps the
body respond to stress. Symptoms appear when dopamine levels reach
less than 50% of normal levels and include : postural instability,
tremors, rigidity, speech,swallowing and sleep problems, as well as
depression and decreased sexual function.
“The usual treatment is a combination of levodopa and carbidopa
(Sinemet). Levodopa, which treats neurochemical abnormality,
revolutionized treatment.”
http://www.medifocus.com/guide_detail.asp?gid=NR013&a=a
“Levodopa can help correct an imbalance of chemicals in the brain
thought to be responsible for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa will not
cure Parkinson's disease, but will help to control the symptoms and
slow down the progression of the disease. Levodopa will work alone.
Using a combination with carbidopa means smaller doses of levodopa are
needed, and this reduces some unwanted side effects. Generic
levodopa-carbidopa tablets are not yet available. “
http://www.parkinsons-information-exchange-network-online.com/drugdb/028.html
http://www.emedicine.com/asp/med_frame.htm?link=http://search.delmar.com/cgi-bin/htsearch?method=and&config=nursespdr&restrict=&exclude=&words=none
“Sinemet is often useful in the treatment of tremors, dysphasia,
excessive saliva flow and postural instability, associated with
Parkinson's disease or syndrome.”
http://smart-drugs.net/insert-sinemet.htm
From the Parkinson.org website:
“Dosing Sinemet CRŽ at bedtime may help individuals who have a sleep
disorder, such as restless legs syndrome or other Parkinson symptoms
that disrupt sleep. Bedtime dosing is also used to alleviate early
morning dystonia (muscle cramps, most common in the foot) or improve
early morning mobility.”
http://www.parkinson.org/med9.htm
Side effects:
According to this Parkinsons Information Network site: “Sporadic
movements are the most common of the serious effects of
levodopa-carbidopa therapy and include choreiform, dystonia, and
dyskinetic movements. Involuntary movements, including chewing,
bruxism, gnawing, twisting, protrusion of the tongue, opening and
closing the mouth, bobbing of the head, rhythmic movements of the feet
or hands, quick movements of the shoulder, and ballismus, have been
reported and may necessitate dosage reduction. Blepharospasm (which
may indicate toxicity), muscle twitching, ataxia, myoclonic mucle
jerks during sleep, and hand tremor also have been reported. "
http://www.parkinsons-information-exchange-network-online.com/drugdb/028.html
Other adverse reactions may include dry mouth, sleepiness,nervousness,
and lightheadedness.
http://www.parkinson.org/med11.htm
There are contraindications for this drug, such as melanoma,
pregnancy, glaucoma, and others.
http://www.parkinsons-information-exchange-network-online.com/drugdb/028.html
More informative sites about Parkinson’s:
A very informative and thorough site about Parkinson’s can be found at
this emedicine page:
http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic99.htm
http://www.parkinsonsinfo.com/about_parkinsons/diet_sinemet_connection.html
http://www.parkinsonsinfo.com/about_parkinsons/drugtherapy.html
http://www.geocities.com/pdcaregiver/WhatIsParkinsons.html
http://www.sd-neurosurgeon.com/diseases/pd.html
Hope this helps you! If any part of my answer is not clear, please ask
for an answer clarification, and I will respond as quickly as
possible!
Regards,
crabcakes
Search strategy:
Parkinson’s + sinemet
Parkinson’s + Coenzyme Q10
postural instability |
