Can medications make symptoms worse? I have been taking L/Dopa for 6 months now and just increased my dose in the last couple weeks and I have noticed more tremors in my legs.

Mandy

Unfortunately, taking medications is a two edged sword. Yes, they can provide relief from some of the symptoms – especially in the short run. And yes, all prescription medications have side effects.

If you list all of the side effects associated with the prescription medications that are available to treat Parkinson’s Disease you will actually see a long list of all the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s.

Some people experience few side effects. They find the medications provide them with welcome relief. Other people report that the side effects are worse than the symptoms they experienced before taking the medications.

I am not a medical doctor. I am not qualified to diagnose what is happening to you. I can offer a simple observation.

If you increase the dose of a medication and the symptoms are worse than before, your body is giving you a strong message. For whatever reason, the medication(s) at the current dose do not appear to be helping.

It could be a single medication. Or, it could be the side effects created from taking more than one medication. Your doctor is the go to resource when it comes down to resolving this problem. It may be a simple problem with a dose that is too high.

I would recommend entertaining other options that offer the opportunity to tame tremors which can be used in conjunction with medications. I have documented dozens of natural therapies that are proven to quiet  tremors in my online course here: Tame Tremors.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery