Posted by Ame Sans Vie on June 20, 2003, at 0:57:39
In reply to Mirapex, OK Ame Sans Vie, posted by HenryO on June 19, 2003, at 19:22:47
> OK, Ame Sans Vie, you have got my attention. I'm going to start Mirapex tonight at .125mg Tell me again your suggestions for titration schedule and possible maintenance dose levels.
Though I haven't spoken with enough people who take this med to be able to tell you the average dosage that provides adequate relief for most people, all studies I've read pretty much say, "the higher, the better". That is, of course, up to the US FDA-approved maximum daily dose of 4.5mg.
Titration should be highly individualized. Whereas I was able to make leaps and bounds from 375µ the first day to 4.5mg on the seventh day, some people may find the nausea or sleepiness to be too much an issue to raise their dose this quickly. Most literature recommends starting with 125µ tid for the first week, then ramping up by 375µ/week until an optimal dose is reached or side effects become intolerable.
Personally I think this is a waste of time. Though I wouldn't be quite as lax about the titration as I was if I were you, I wouldn't follow this strict schedule. Raise your dose when it seems right--when the side effects (if there even are any) have disappeared.
>What are the down sides to this med? How long does last in your system on a daily basis? The side effect warnings read like a horror show, did you have any of them besides nausea? Any other advice on taking this?
I honestly can say I have yet to find a single downside to Mirapex... if I absolutely *had* to pick something, I suppose it would be that it needs to be taken three times a day.
Not sure what it' half life is, but let's just say there have been several occasions that I've missed two, or even all three, doses for the day and wasn't adversely affected.
I thought that too about the side effects, but you just have to be brave and jump right in, lol. So far everyone I've spoken with who's taken Mirapex has reported initial transient nausea as a side effect, a few reported sleepiness, and that's all. I personally just had moderate nausea that lasted less than a week, and which was easily treatable with ginger root or authentic ginger ale. As long as you create your *own* titration schedule (hell, start with 62.5µ tid if you think the 125µ may be too much), you'll be just fine. No need to be in rush (like I was, lol) but then again, no need to further delay relief due to fear of nonexistent side effects.
Any other advice? Hmmm... I'd have to think about that one--this med is pretty much a no-brainer. You'll see what I mean. Good luck and keep me posted! :-)
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:235240
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030619/msgs/235318.html