Can I save levodopa-intake by skipping th... - Cure Parkinson's

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Can I save levodopa-intake by skipping the night dose when i don't really feel like needing it?

wayoveryonder profile image
7 Replies

I try to stay low on my levodopa-intake.

I have added a fourth dose in the evening, but sometimes feel, I don't really need it.

What I like to find out is - would that evening-dose just bee used up or does it make a difference to the brain, putting it in undersupply.

Does anybody know about this?

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wayoveryonder profile image
wayoveryonder
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7 Replies
Trixiedee profile image
Trixiedee

I would see how you manage without taking it at night. Your body makes dopamine while you’re sleeping.

michelagvolpe profile image
michelagvolpe

I take 400mg of CL per day and should go up to 500mg, but I'm trying with 50mg to take at night when I wake up and can't get back to sleep. I also add some drops that the neurologist gave me to help me sleep (in addition to melatonin). At the moment I can stay on 450mg. For me it's important to keep myself under-corrected with levodopa to avoid becoming dependent on it and take advantage of off moments to do exercises so that the brain is trained to react when it doesn't send the right signal.

CRMACK1948 profile image
CRMACK1948

I stopped my husband's bedtime tablet a year ago,never saw any difference,but everyones Parkinson's is unique so what works for us might not do for others

00Mark profile image
00Mark

I think you could skip the dose. The meds only relieve symptoms, as far as I know, they don't have any lasting benefits.

Debgiffen profile image
Debgiffen

I never take Sinemet at night. It makes me too twitchy and keeps me awake. My last dose is around noontime so by evening my body is relaxed and I’m able to sleep better. I’ve been doing this for years and it hasn’t hurt me. Diagnosed 10 years ago.

amykp profile image
amykp

Yeah, dopamine only treats symptoms. It is not "good for you" in any way other than allowing to to get along--exercise, sleep etc (not that those things aren't important!)

It might be bad for you (long term) but that's controversial.

Either way, I suspect it isn't a good idea to stop or reduce a lot cold turkey. I'd taper slowly.

But if you can get along perfectly well with less, why not?

Esperanto profile image
Esperanto

For most of us, it can be beneficial to "play" with the dosage of levodopa/carbidopa (C/L). There are many varying factors that can influence how much C/L you need throughout the day and night. As Trixiedee mentioned, the body produces dopamine during the night. Although dopamine production may be reduced in PD, brain activity continues, and a certain amount of dopamine is still generated, especially during REM sleep. Personally, I am fortunate to not need C/L in the evening, and with a good night's sleep, I also don't require it in the morning. However, this can vary from person to person, and there is no reason to avoid experimenting. Do not take more medication than truly necessary, not so much because of the risk of dependence, but to prevent side effects from overdose.

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