I Switched Back to DynaCirc CR

I Gave Generic Isradipine a 3 Week Trial but...

About a month ago I switched from DynaCirc CR to the generic form of Isradipine, which is not CR. I switched because I could save $1800 a year with the generic form of the drug. My doctor said they would both work about the same and if I got side affects I would get over them in a few weeks time. He suggested I take the generic for a month and see what happened.

So what happened was my left arm tremor which was almost gone came back strongly. People who know me commented on it. It wasn't as bad as before I started DynaCirc CR but it seemed to be getting worse I also started having swallowing problems again along with speaking problems. Sometimes I couldn't think of the a word or follow through on a thought process. Also having occasional trouble thinking about what's coming next. My typing problems are nothing new but the very act of typing seemed to be more difficult; my typing was worse.

All of these worsening symptoms prompted me to email one of the Isradipine researchers to get his opinion of the two drugs. This was the reply: "The CR formulation maintains a more stable serum concentration of Isradipine than the non-CR pill. This should better protect the DA neurons. So if you can afford it, stay on the CR format. If it is a matter of going off the drug or using the non-CR format, obviously I would recommend the non-CR format."

So I switched back to DynaCirc CR(R) 10 mgs a few days ago and my symptoms are already improving although it will take time for that process to complete itself. Another positive side is I feel I have more energy and that I am less tired during the day. I'd already stopped taking naps but I would still tire by early evening. I would have been happy to have that money each month but I'm not going to be selling any of my dopamine neurons for $1800, I've lost enough as it is.

The point is that Isradipine was helpful, no question about it. If your only choice is generic I think the suggestion to try it at the 2.5mg dosage 4 times a day is a good one. Since I can get DynaCirc CR through my plan although not at any appreciable discount, I'm back on it because the steadier time-release is very important to maintain the levels of the medication in the bloodstream. If they ever come out with the generic as a controlled-release, I would certainly be willing to try it because there is no question that DynaCirc CR is very tough on the budget.