B1 therapy

[Meramt]

After trying 500mg of B1 for about 2wks, I decided to stop and instead try a B complex and magnesium for a while before starting back on B1. I’ve now been taking a B complex every day that has 50mg of B1 and 2mg of B6, along with an extended release capsule of 250mg magnesium every 3 days. I’ve been taking these for about 3 wks.

My question is: do I start back on B1 with a high dose like 500mg, or should I start low with a dose of 100 or 200 mg and work up to a higher dosage? The B complex already has 50mg of B1 and has already helped immensely with my restless leg syndrome. The rls at night has virtually stopped!!

Also, should I increase the magnesium to every other day perhaps?

I wonder what Daphne would suggest.

Many thanks for any replies!

[Zella23]

if you’ve found a relief of symptoms with what you are taking I would carry on with doing that. It doesn’t always follow that more will help. Everyone is different, I would be inclined to carry on for a couple of months as you may see more improvement without altering anything. Just my opinion.

[Meramt in reply to Zella23]

You are right to advise patience…I, foolishly, after only two weeks of relief from rls, felt it was over for good. Unfortunately, I spoke too soon because it has now returned. I may add a little more B1 (100mg?) and will try to think in terms of months rather than weeks. Thanks

[Smokeypurple]

I agree with Zella and feel that improvement can be incremental on a stable dose and more is not always better. I would add that, as some people respond to low doses of B1, and a low dose is already helping, it seems wisest if you wish to change to titrate up (very slowly) rather than go back in with a large dose. Out of interest, why did you stop the B1 in the first place?

[Meramt in reply to Smokeypurple]

I thought my legs were getting stiffer requiring me to work harder on my daily walk. I had taken 500mg a day for only about two wks in the morning and then added 200mg more at lunchtime for about a wk. This was in early April, I believe. I stopped altogether, but the leg stiffness remained about the same. When I decided to restart about a month ago, I decided to start with B-complex and magnesium first, with the thought of gradually moving into B1. Thank you for your suggestion to titrate up, not down. which is what I’ve decided to do. I have some 100mg capsules and plan to add them now when I take the b-complex in the morning. As you noted, the small amount of B1 seemed to work for almost two wks ( i.e.no rls) but the rls is back now (although not as forceful). So I will be trying 150mg of B1 a day. With thanks.

[JohnPepper]

Have you tried FAST WALKING? It really does work and o=it is permanent. I have been PD-free since 1994!

[st8farm]

I use 6-8 500 mg of B1 per day and have for 8-9 years. It has been very effective in controlling the perniciousness of the Parkinsons monster.