Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What To Do For Multiple System Atrophy Causing Problem In Sleeping?
my dad has Multiple System Atrophy
one doctor gave him syndopa for almost 2 years
we changed a doctor to get a second opinion and this doc gave us BEXOL DT instead
after 4-5 months, he started having an increased tendency to fall. we thought it could be due to change in doctors
we went back to the old doctor and he put him back on syndopa again.
for the last 3 days since he has taken that, he is having a lot of issues including sleepiness, no energy, lack of sleep, hallucinations etc. we are confused what is causing all this. should he take one of these medicines or could he take both?
one doctor gave him syndopa for almost 2 years
we changed a doctor to get a second opinion and this doc gave us BEXOL DT instead
after 4-5 months, he started having an increased tendency to fall. we thought it could be due to change in doctors
we went back to the old doctor and he put him back on syndopa again.
for the last 3 days since he has taken that, he is having a lot of issues including sleepiness, no energy, lack of sleep, hallucinations etc. we are confused what is causing all this. should he take one of these medicines or could he take both?
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 15 Feb 2015
Answered on
Mon, 16 Feb 2015
Last reviewed on
I read your question and I understand your concern.
The effects of these last 3 days are probably side effects of levodopa treatment. Perhaps a lower dose could be tried on that regard.
As for which is most appropriate between the two it is Syndopa which is normally use. However unfortunately in Multiple System Atrophy syndopa or any other drugs have little effect, so I wouldn't expect much improvement from treatment. Modern medicine hasn't advanced much in treating MSA I'm afraid.
For the falling issue, if it is in the setting of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when changing position from supine to standing - common in MSA), then the most important thing is taking a lot of water, seems too simple but very important. There are also drugs like Fludrocortisone, Midodrine, Desmopressine, they all have their side effects though and should be prescribed carefully by a specialist. Posture education, physiotherapy also have their importance.
I hope to have been of help.
The effects of these last 3 days are probably side effects of levodopa treatment. Perhaps a lower dose could be tried on that regard.
As for which is most appropriate between the two it is Syndopa which is normally use. However unfortunately in Multiple System Atrophy syndopa or any other drugs have little effect, so I wouldn't expect much improvement from treatment. Modern medicine hasn't advanced much in treating MSA I'm afraid.
For the falling issue, if it is in the setting of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when changing position from supine to standing - common in MSA), then the most important thing is taking a lot of water, seems too simple but very important. There are also drugs like Fludrocortisone, Midodrine, Desmopressine, they all have their side effects though and should be prescribed carefully by a specialist. Posture education, physiotherapy also have their importance.
I hope to have been of help.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....