I have been living with PD for 30+ years. The timing of proteins are a science and unpredictable. I have been off for many hours if the timing is off. You have to just keep trying.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, It seems to depend on a number of factors, especially how the Carbodopa/Levadopa (C/L) medication is formulated and how the patient's digestive system works. I take Rytary which is an Extended Release formula and my system has always been slow so I really don't experience any difference no matter what I eat or when. As @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member stated, you have to experiment to find what works for you. If you have too much trouble, I suggest that you ask your neurologist about whether an extended release formulared C/L (Rytary is only one of many) or a slow release formula might be worth a try. Please also check with your pharmacist and your insurance to find out how much you will be expected to pay out of pocket before you even accept a free sample Before I qualified for Medicare with help from Medicaid with prescriptions, I bounced on and off of Rytary because when I suddenly didn't qualify for whatever temporary discount or patient assistance program I had been on, I believe it caused some irreparable brain damage. Because Rytary works so well, I was quickly dependant, but because it is a "Tier 3" drug, my cost was up to $1,000, even with the (un)Affordable Healthcare insurance! Now, the most I have to pay is $12.50.

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I have found that not eating for a period of time both before and after taking my meds amazingly improves their effectiveness. On an empty stomach there is nothing to stand in their way of getting right to their job!!!!

It depends on how much one is eating after medications too. I wait one hour after taking medication. I eat light too. A high protein shake mixed with fruit is usually what I have for lunch. I change up the fruits and protein powder each day. Time management for breakfast and dinner are usually not an issue.