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I’ve been on 1mg daily of rasagiline (Azilect) for about two years. I don’t notice any improvements with Azilect. There was a study that theorized this drug may be neuroprotective. It wasn’t proven to be neuroprotective at a higher dose so these claims are not fully supported. But, it could be neuroprotective, it’s easy for me to take once daily, and I have no side effects.
Amantadine was a failure with night sweats and terrible nightmares.
Two dopamine agonists were busts for me: Pramipexole (Mirapex) and ropinirole (Requip). I experienced visual disturbances (doctor speak for hallucinations) where I’d see bright flashing lights at night.
Artane didn’t work for me either. I’m in the process of tapering down the artane (currently 4mg daily titrating down 1mg per week) because I experienced various side effects at 7-8mg: extreme dry mouth, dry eyes, and either euphoria or panic 60-90 minutes after a dose.
I didn’t notice any symptom improvement on any of those drugs but I could never get to therapeutic doses with the side effects I experienced.
My doctor wants me to try one more dopamine agonist before last resort C/L: Neupro (rotigotine). I have the script filled but am being careful as to when I start the med given my previous dopamine agonist side effects. When trying new meds I wait until I know I won’t need to drive for a few days just in case.