My mother is 90 years old and has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. He also gave her a prescription for the nausea,but it does not help. Her primary care doctor took her off the carbidopa and put her on Pramipexole, but I do not see that she's any better. She is totally dependent on me for everything and is scared to death of nursing homes. I get no help from my sister but have found a lady to come in for a few hours each week so I can get out to run errands, etc. I wonder if it's too late for medication to help her get stronger?
Personally, I would want my loved one treated by a specialist for this disease. Did a specialist prescribe the carbidopa-levodopa? Did you discuss the side effects with the prescribing doctor? There are other options. I'm sure not saying that the option the primary care doc chose is not a good one ... just that I'd want a specialist to follow up with additional care. Whoever is prescribing, ask exactly what to expect if the treatment is effective. How will you know it is working? How long does it usually take before the effects are noticeable? If there are side effects, do they usually go away as the body adjusts, or should the drug be stopped?
Let us hope that some treatments are effective for Mom and reduce her symptoms. But I don't think it is realistic to assume she'll regain her independence. Look into ways to obtain more in-home help for her, so you are not shouldering this responsibility all on your own.