General Discussion

I am curious if the side effects of this medication are as bad as I have read online. My son was diagnosed with CP about a year ago, but recently the Neurologist feels that it may be DRD. I am praying that he is correct. We did the spinal tap, another MRI, and genetic testing today. We will not have the results for a few weeks, but he is starting Sinemet in the meantime and I am terrified. Does anyone have any advice on how to give a pill to a 2 year old? Can I crush it? Also, I want to know what kind of side effects you have seen. I know the benefits outweigh the side effects, but it is still scary giving this to a toddler.

Thanks,

Logan's Mom

Hello,

Thank you for leaving a message! I'm so sorry to hear about Logan but very happy that it sounds like he's on the right path to find a diagnosis. The dosing of the Sinemet is crucial to low to no side effects. If you start him on too much, he could have extra movements in his hands and body, tremors, etc. We started Alexis and Noah on a quarter of a pill once a day (after Alexis initially responded the first 2 days on 3 quarter pill doses). Day 3 of Alexis's 3 quarter pill doses a day, her arms and hands had extra movements/tremors. Once we cut her down, she was fine. We then gradually increased her by a quarter of a pill every 2 weeks. She and Noah have had no side effects since.

A quarter or a half of a pill is very easy to swallow so I don't think he should have a problem. Please let me know how it goes.

Sincerely,

Retta Beery