Levodopa w/ carbidopa (Sinemet)
Question: My grandfather has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. The drugs that have been prescribed are as follows: Levodopa w/Carbidopa Eldepryl. Looking in different web sites, I have not found any information, pertaining to Parkinson's, that these drugs are used?! I am curious if these drugs help the disease or just relieve some of the symptoms of the disease. What is the most common drug prescribed for Parkinson's. Also, he is a very small man, he has had many reoccurring asthma and bronchitis (sorry on the spelling) episodes. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer: Levodopa w/ carbidopa is Sinemet, and is perhaps the most frequently used medication in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It does not cure the patient of the condition, but it can be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of stiffness, slowness of movement, and tremor. Eldepryl likewise is a very common medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is used in hopes of preventing much progression of the disease though this assertion is still somewhat controversial. It has some minimal Sinemet-like action but is used not so much for what it can do for the patient but rather for it's potential to Possibly slow down the process whereby nerve cells are dying. Any medication that one anticipates using must be checked for it's appropriateness for the situation and whether it would interfere with any other medications that are already being used.
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