Carpidopa RX

[Ob6842]

Do many people JUST take carbidopa with mucuna for better results? I want to ask my MDS for a RX, but I was quoted today that 30 would cost $248! Since it’s an old generic, I thought it would be dirt cheap! I’m wondering if it’s worth it to help Mucuna cross the BBB for better efficacy. I’m just dipping my toes into the levadopa world..

[park_bear]

You are right it is dirt cheap or at least should be - GoodRx says $45 for 90 tablets: goodrx.com/carbidopa?form=t...

[blackbear701]

Where are you being charged so much money? I just did a quick search for C/L without insurance, and not one site charged anywhere near that amount!

[Ob6842 in reply to blackbear701]

That was Wal Mart’s price. Does it really help the effectiveness of a single NOW mucuna capsule, without any Sinemet, compared to green or macha tea? I’m new at this…

[NextStage in reply to Ob6842]

Yes, it really makes a huge difference. Anyone can use GoodRx, you just use that instead of your own insurance in cases where GoodRx is so much cheaper.

[blackbear701 in reply to Ob6842]

I really don't know; I have tried mucuna in the past but it did nothing for me. As others have noted, you can print out a GoodRx coupon and bring it to your pharmacy. I have also used Planet Drugs Direct in Canada for one of my medications; you just have to fax/pdf your prescription. Right now, you can get 100 pills of 25/100 mg for 47.99, and that is with no insurance.

[pdpatient]

costplusdrugs.com/medicatio...

[mk2002wi]

As low as $18 with GoodRx

[Ob6842]

Does carbidopa REALLY help the mucuna be a lot more effective, than plan mucuna alone? I know it does for 1 member here on HU……anyone else?

[Juliegrace in reply to Ob6842]

Yes. If you do the research, you will find more than one member for whom it makes a difference.

[Despe]

I believe I was the first one to suggest adding carbidopa to MP. Hubby's MDS recommended adding Lodosyne (brand name for carbidopa) to his MP. It does work like Sinemet.

[Ob6842 in reply to Despe]

How much do you use, just a crumble? Does it work a lot better than green tea or macha tea? I’m only on rasagiline so far after 2 1/2 years , but my MDS only wants me to try Sinemet, not mucuna. I’ve only tried 1 capsule at a time of NOW brand mucuna with green tea , and it helps. Also need how to convince my MDS to give me a carbidopa RX! He questioned my intelligence when I just mentioned mucuna! Please advise…

[Despe in reply to Ob6842]

Hubby's MDS is at Vanderbilt, and he is open to not only MP but supplements. The university doctors are open minded to natural/homeopathic treatment in combination with meds (can't eliminate meds, they are doctors after all, ) Anyway, during the initial visit back in 2018, hubby told the doctor that he was taking natural levedopa. Doctor asked him if he was taking velvet beans, fava beans or something else. To our surprise, he was familiar with all natural levedopa supplements! Hubby was/is taking MP and the doctor asked him if he wanted to try it with carbidopa to enhance the effects of MP. Hubby said "Yes," I would like to try it and the doctor prescribed carbidopa (Lodosyn). To this date, he takes MP with carbidopa. Hubby takes "Barlowe's 40% and half a pill of carbidopa, twice a day. Before he goes to bed, he takes one Sinemet (ER).

[Ob6842 in reply to Despe]

Impressive doctor! What’s his name? I might go see him!

[Despe in reply to Ob6842]

vumc.org/neurology/person/d....

Unfortunately, he moved to research dept and no longer sees PD patients. He is a very smart and down to earth doctor!