Parkinson's disease is challenging to treat. Each case is different, and it often takes time to find the right dosage and combination of pills. In addition, as the disease changes or progresses, the medication must change as well. No matter what type and dose of medication is being used, it is important for Parkinson's patients to stick to a regular schedule. Irregular schedules of medication can affect how a patient with Parkinson's feels, and it can be dangerous.
Increase in Symptoms
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease occur because the body does not have enough dopamine. Dopamine helps nerve signals travel from the brain to the muscles that need to move. When there is an inadequate amount of dopamine, symptoms such as freezing, tremors, slow movement, loss of balance and others can occur.
Medications provide synthetic versions of dopamine to help manage these symptoms. However, these drugs work only for a few hours. This is often labeled as "on" times when the patient has reduced symptoms, and "off" times when the medication wears off and symptoms return. Given this, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation recommends sticking to a regular medication schedule.
Taking medications erratically can affect how a patient feels and may cut down the "on" time. In addition to timing medications, keeping a diary of how the body responds to the meds can help a patient plan activities for times when his medication is "on" and he feels his best.
Overdose Complications
Some medications can be taken one hour before or after their scheduled time without adverse effects. With other medications, this can be very dangerous, warns the Oregon Health Care Association. Taking medications too close together may cause an overdose, which can lead to uncontrollable movements, shaking and tremors.
Taking medication too far apart can cause an inability to move. This leads to higher risk of falls, and affects the ability to be independent. If the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing are unable to move correctly, a patient could choke or stop breathing.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about an individualized plan to help minimize complications and to help fully understand how the medication being taken works.
Sleep Disturbances
In the case of Parkinson's disease, both the disease and the medications can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients tend to fall into deep REM sleep very quickly, states the National Sleep Foundation. Taking medications too close together can increase drowsiness. Taking medication too late in the day may stimulate the person and affect the ability to fall and stay asleep. Staying on a regular schedule can help to cut down on sleepiness during the day and improve sleep quality at night.
Inability to Absorb the Medication
Certain foods and over-the-counter medications affect the body's ability to properly absorb Parkinson's disease medications. Improper timing of medication and meals may lead to the medication being less effective.
High-protein meals and foods high in tyramine (draft beer, red wine, aged cheeses and others) should not be consumed too close to the time before or after medication is taken, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Working with a registered dietitian can help to plan out meals to work with the medication schedule.
In addition to avoiding negative interactions, make sure the physician has a complete list of all medications being taken, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies.
