Team Up
with Your Doctor
Any treatment plan for Parkinson’s disease includes regular conversation with your doctor.
Your doctor can help you put together a program for managing Parkinson’s disease that helps minimize symptoms while helping maintain the activities of daily living. Your doctor is also the best person to help you find the right combination of medication, therapy, education, support, and counseling. Together, you and your doctor should follow your progress and symptoms to help make your treatment program effective.
Remember to do your part by following your doctor’s instructions about diet, therapy, activities, medication, and other treatment strategies.
While you’re at the doctor’s office, there are a few things you should be ready to talk about, including:
Any symptoms you may be experiencing How your symptoms have changed over time Any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
How often during the day you take medications Other healthcare professionals you may have seen Types of exercise you’re doing and how often Any changes to your diet or lifestyle
Some practical tips for making the most of each doctor’s visit
Answer your doctor’s questions honestly, and feel free to ask plenty of questions of your own. Take notes, if possible, or bring a family member or friend who can help with anything you may have missed. And be sure not to leave out any details—all information is important to your doctor.
Download and print our easy-to-use Doctor Visit Worksheet (PDF) and take it along on your next visit to the doctor.
Prescription REQUIP XL is not for everyone. REQUIP XL may cause you to fall asleep or feel very sleepy during normal activities such as driving; or to faint or feel dizzy, nauseated, or sweaty when you stand up. Tell your doctor if you experience these or the following problems, or if you drink alcohol or are taking other medicines that make you drowsy. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness, headache, and sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia). Increase or decrease in blood pressure and heart rate may occur. Hallucinations may occur at any time during treatment. Also tell your doctor if you experience new or increased gambling, sexual, or other intense urges while taking REQUIP XL. REQUIP XL may increase the side effects of L-dopa. Most patients were not bothered enough to stop taking REQUIP XL.