how do I substitute L-dopa for, say, swanson vitamins or supplements for siminet? i take 4 daily tablets carbi/levo 25-100mg tab act?

[Nippermcc]

I cannot figure it out and was hoping to be pharmaceutical-free.

[wifeofparky]

I am not aware of any vitamins or supplements that replace Sinemet. First of all there is no guarantee that you are getting what a supplement label claims since they are not regulated and tested for potency all the time.

Supplements are still technically chemicals. The only way to get real vitamins and minerals is through diet. I suggest you speak with a nutritionist or dietician for maximum effect.

[Nippermcc in reply to wifeofparky]

thank you wifeofparky. I was actually hoping to drop the sinemet and live on food, vitamins, supplements but I have so many side effects then--freezing; falling; walking backwards (yeah that's one) and many more that life without the sinemet is unmanageable...yet I've read so much about how bad sinemet will be soon that I'm totally lost, depressed...my partner also wants me on a natural product, not sinemet, for the same reasons. How long can this sinemet really work? do I have time to replace it or something else?

[wifeofparky in reply to Nippermcc]

My husband died 5 1/2 years ago but not from PD or complications of PD. Since then, there have been many advances in research both in drugs available and in other treatment modalities. Have you discussed this with your MDS or Neuro? Have they answered all your questions to your satisfaction? Until Sinemet came along there was no treatment for PD. Do research on Legit sites like JohnsHopkins.com, Parkinson.org and other Centers of Excellence for PD people.

[Despe in reply to Nippermcc]

I would recommend MUCUNA PRURIENS! Natural L-dopa without Sinemet's side effects.

Good luck.

[Harleybob08]

The problem with Sinamet is the Carbidopa.

Amino Acid Therapy replaces the Carbidopa. It is expensive, but it seems to work.

LDN and Vitamin B1 both seem to counter the effects of Carbidopa, and are cheap and straightforward.

A lot of the good folks on this site are trying B1 at the moment, why not join them? You may still need the sinemet, but the bad effects should be neutralised.

Regards, Peter.