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September 14
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Answer Summary

Members shared their personal schedules for taking carbidopa/levodopa, showing a wide range of timing and dosage approaches for managing... Read more

Members shared their personal schedules for taking carbidopa/levodopa, showing a wide range of timing and dosage approaches for managing Parkinson's disease. Several members noted that spacing varied from every 2 to 7 hours depending on body size, symptom control, and neurologist guidance, with some also taking extended-release formulas at night. A recurring theme was that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and members encouraged others to work closely with their neurologist and pharmacist to find what works best for them.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Like I said I take 2 (25!100) every 3 hours plus I take Pramipexole 3 times a day to help extend the meds.what I like about my neurologist which is a Parkinson movement specialist he asks if I'm having any downtime and really cares.

September 17
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

What's missing in most replies is the dose strength, which is absolutely essential. I take CREXONT, a 2-component capsule, half working within 1 hour, half slowly to last longer. My first dosage actually knocked me out and was reduced. After a year or so I'm taking the 825/350 mg (largest single cap dosage) one capsule five times daily. I started out years ago at a much lower dosage with regular carb/levo tablets, which eventually wore out sooner than desired. CREXONT has been effective in reducing tremors but required some experimentation. Unfortunately, 24 divided by 5 doesn't come out evenly so I shoot for accuracy during waking hours and vary nighttime dose. So far so good--except when I forget a dose.

September 17
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, There are a multitude of variables that determine how often medicines should be taken.
I take Rytary which is an extended release formula for Carbodopa/Levadopa. At this point, I take 4 pills 3 times each day. I am convinced that this is the correct dosage for me for now.
I have also studied this extensively. Along with discussing this with your prescribing doctor, discuss it extensively with your pharmacist. Don't be afraid to ask hard questions. They should be secure enough in their knowledge to answer your questions. Remember, however, that pharmacists are more fully educated concerning the effectiveness and side effects of medications than physicians.

September 17
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

It depends on what the doctor says and your verbal input. I take two carbidopa-Levodopa four times a day. I am still having some off periods, but not as bad. After the disease progresses, some of us will need more.
I also take Neurontin 40mg daily. It’s a relatively new drug. Between both of them, I am at my best right now.

September 17
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

In 2021 when I was diagnosed I started with a standard 100mg 4 times a day but had poor results. My movement neurologist suggested that at my size we need to adjust it. I am 6'foot 4inches and weigh 250lb.

First thing she pointed out was carbidopa dose lasts 4 to 5 hrs. So she changed my dosage from every four hours to five hours. Then change my Carbidopa Levidopa dosage to 25-250 at 0800am, 100pm, 600pm. My neurologist was in total agreement. This has worked superb for me.

I learned that there is a standard dosage but none of us are standard. I am a cancer survivor, stoke survivor, meniere's disease and large size.

Check with your neurologist and if not satisfied go back and try again.

Good luck to all and may today be better than yesterday if only by an inch.

September 17

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