Oral sustained-release preparation of L-Dopa in the management of fluctuations in Parkinson's disease: 6 months follow-up

10 patients suffering from Parkinson's disease were selected for this study because of their predictable fluctuations in motor performances and nocturnal akinesia. 7 patients out of these 10, were treated with a sustained release formulation of L-Dopa plus PDDI (Madopar HBS) for six months. The remaining 3 patients dropped out of the study within the initial 30 days of treatment. The clinical evaluation and the diary of the patients showed an improvement of the fluctuations, nocturnal akinesia and 'Off period dystonia'. The dosage was 60% greater on average than the corresponding dose of the standard drug. The improvement remained constant during the trial period and no side effects or complications were reported.