Living with Parkinson’s
(continued from page 11)
considerations to discuss with
your doctor include:
» What symptoms does it treat?
Do you have these symptoms?
— If so, are they controlled with
your current medication
regimen? Do your current
medications cause
bothersome side effects?
effects, what is the next step?
For example, will you restart
previous therapies, change
the dosage and/or schedule of
the new medication, or try a
different drug altogether?
WORKING WITH YOUR
PROVIDER WHEN YOU
ADJUST MEDICATIONS
As you change medications, it
may be helpful to keep notes
about your symptoms and
the new therapy. Important
or videotape your symptoms for
review at your next visit.
SHARING YOUR
EXPERIENCE WITH NEW
THERAPIES
After drugs are proven safe and
effective in clinical trials and earn
FDA approval, a lot can still be
learned. As doctors prescribe the
drug to more and more people,
they and their patients are able
to determine optimal dosing and
administration schedules, as well
“It’s also critical that you understand
how your doctor defines your symptoms.”
» What are the potential
benefits and side effects of the
drug? Does it interact with
foods or other drugs?
» How does it work? Is that
different from your current
therapies?
» How is it prescribed?
— Instead of or in conjunction
with your current
medications? At a low dose
that is gradually increased
over time? If so, over what
time period? And when
should you see side effects
or benefit?
» What are the associated costs
for you?
» If the medication doesn’t
work or causes significant side
observations to include are
what benefits, side effects or
complications occur and, for
some medications, how long
until each dose takes effect
and how long it lasts. This
information will guide you and
your doctor as you work together
to optimize your medication
regimen. It’s also critical that
you understand how your doctor
defines your symptoms — in
other words, ensure that you’re
on the same page about what
constitutes tremor, dyskinesia
and “off ” time. If you believe
you are experiencing tremor but
it’s really dyskinesia, medication
adjustments could temporarily
worsen symptoms. If you aren’t
certain what’s what, ask your
doctor during your appointment
as which types of symptoms and
patients respond best. They can
also monitor for any side effects
that might arise with longerterm use. This information helps
us figure out if patients’ needs
are being met and where work
remains to be done in research
and development.
Along these lines, MJFF wants
to know more about doctors’
and patients’ experiences with
Rytary. If you are currently taking
or have ever taken Rytary and
would like to contribute, visit
michaeljfox.org/rytary.
To read more about currently
available Parkinson’s medications,
go to michaeljfox.org /medications.
The medical information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. The Michael J. Fox
Foundation has a policy of refraining from advocating, endorsing or promoting any drug therapy, course of treatment,
or specific company or institution. It is crucial that care and treatment decisions related to Parkinson’s disease and any
other medical condition be made in consultation with a physician or other qualified medical professional.
New Insights from
“Ask the MD”
Rachel Dolhun, MD, addresses
popular Parkinson’s topics and
translates the latest research in
blog posts and videos.
Photo by Sam Ogden
Dr. Dolhun Talks PD
Living with Parkinson’s
www.michaeljfox.org/ask-the-md
DEEP BRAIN
STIMULATION
(DBS)
UNDERSTANDING HEAD
ATYPICAL
TRAUMA AND
PARKINSONISM PARKINSON’S
“OFF” TIME IN
PARKINSON’S
DISEASE
PARKINSON’S
DISEASE
PSYCHOSIS
This surgical
procedure for
the symptomatic
management
of Parkinson’s
helps many, but
not everyone is
a candidate.
Atypical parkinsonism refers to
a condition other
than Parkinson’s
that causes
similar signs and
symptoms.
(See page 7.)
“Off” times — or
motor fluctuations
— may occur more
as the disease
progresses, but
management
options are available and more
therapies are in
development.
Treatment
strategies for
the non-motor
symptom of
Parkinson’s
disease psychosis
are limited, but a
new drug expands
the options.
PARTNERS IN
PARKINSON’S
RESOURCES
NOW
AVAILABLE
ONLINE
Head trauma has
been linked to
an increased risk
of Parkinson’s
disease, but
more research is
needed to fully
understand this
relationship.
LEARN
MORE
Partners in Parkinson’s archived webinars offer a virtual way to
help you and your loved ones learn more about living well with
Parkinson’s disease. These free, hour-long sessions feature panel
discussions on building a care team, getting better sleep with
PD, supporting a loved one with the disease and more. Visit
partnersinparkinsons.org/attend-a-webinar for more information.
Missing Partners in Parkinson’s events near your hometown?
Stay tuned for a live recording of our Oakland, Cali