Adaptogens (Rhodiola and Saffron) for insomnia and Pramipexole/Sinemet interactions

[PD_Investigator]

Hi everyone,

A little about me – I'm 37 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson's this March 2024, when I started levodopa and pramipexole. It's been a journey – from 2021-2024 I was misdiagnosed with dystonia and took Akineton (biperiden), but in retrospect, symptoms likely began around 2018-2019. Sleep has been a real issue for a couple of years, with moderate insomnia (5-6 hours/night), now much worse at just 3-4 hours recently.

Because of this, I recently saw a sleep neurophysiologist, and they've recommended I try adaptogens to help, along with increasing my melatonin. They specifically prescribed me these supplements:

MELIORAN (Pileje): Ingredients: Rhodiola extract (308mg) (Rhodiola rosea L.) and Safracetin® saffron extract (30mg) (Crocus sativus L.).

CHRONOBIANE LD PROTECT 1.9MG. Ingredients: Baobab fruit pulp (Adansonia digitata L.), PL-MEL-01 lemon balm extract (200mg) (lemon balm extract and powder of aerial parts [Melissa officinalis L.]), Hypro-ri® Zinc (10mg) (zinc sulphate and rice protein hydrolyzate), bamboo powder (Bambusa bambos L. Voss, exudate), melatonin (1.9mg).

MELATONIN RETARD PURA 1.9MG (Trepatdiet-ESI) melatonin extended realeased (1.9mg).

CHRONOBIANE INSTANTANEO SUBLINGUAL SPRAY (Pileje): upon early awakening. Ingredients: hawthorn extract Crataegus monogyna (flowering tops), melatonin.

Has anyone actually tried these supplements, especially regarding Rhodiola and Saffron?

And does anyone know if there could be interactions with Sinemet or pramipexole?

I've asked my neurophysiologist and both of my neurologists – because I have to see one through public health insurance (it's mandatory) and another privately (to be faster) – and they never seem to be able to say for sure. It's always kind of a 'well, let's see what happens' response, and they don't even seem to offer to look into it and get back to me… and I'm getting anxious due to the possible interactions/side effects…

[JayPwP]

Do you exercise vigorously, to the point of exhaustion and better sleep?

[PD_Investigator in reply to JayPwP]

I actually haven't tried doing really vigorous exercise since I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. To be honest, I've been a little hesitant. It works for you?

[JayPwP in reply to PD_Investigator]

It works but experiences are subjective. You may not feel any difference but people around you notice improvement...

It will take time to improve the status so I suggest you start yesterday and keep at it.

[ghoegap in reply to PD_Investigator]

If you roam around this forum and research in general, you will find that exercise is the one thing that there is general agreement on. Not just sleep but for slowing progression. Take all JayPwP says below to heart

[PD_Investigator in reply to ghoegap]

Thank you JayPwP and ghoegap , I will take it into account!

[park_bear]

That is a lot of different supplements. To the extent that you do try them I recommend adding one at a time and only put each one into use if it helps with the objective of better sleep.

The amount of time to try each one is variable depending on whether it can be expected to take effect immediately or to take some days. Personally I have found that a capsule of chamomile in the evening improves the quality, but not the duration, of my sleep. I have also found that valerian root improves the duration of my sleep if I need it. These work immediately, which is to say that night after taking it in the evening.

[PD_Investigator in reply to park_bear]

Thanks! I will try exercise, and then the supplements one by time.

[michelagvolpe]

herbal teas based on: valerian, passion flower, lemon balm, melatonin, chamomile to be taken in rotation to avoid addiction.

[Fireside15]

With all of the positive research about melatonin, perhaps better to just take melatonin itself. There are extensive threads here about melatonin lotion that you make yourself. Oral supplementation also important and helpful.

[Jackerlino]

Hi you are so young ,have you considered Lymes. Im not trying to interfere or raise false hopes. I had parkinism caused by Lyme .Aparently it is not that unusual. I know little about your condition so forgive me if Im way off but sleep is a huge issue with Lymes too.

[Balahanda]

I have been taking saffron for a long time without any reason. It’s a very nice herb , but you can not take it all the time . You need to stop it for couple of months and start taking it again.

[beatles4ever]

I have recently started drinking Teamotions tea blends. They have different formulas for sleep, anxiety, focus, etc. I believe some formulas use Rhodiala and they definitely use saffron. I take Sinimet only and so far no interaction. I understand your trepidation about interactions though...this time I just threw caution to the winds. I had no idea these different botanical based medications your doctors are suggesting are available. Anyway, the tea does help with anxiety/depression and sleep, The idea is to try drinking 3 cups a day of the formula(s) you think is for you, for a month to see how you feel (effect is cumulative). I'm not sure if you can order these sent to Spain...website is Teamotions.com. Of course there are other teas out there for insomnia, and you may think it's laughable to suggest tea, when there are so many powerful pharmaceuticals for insomnia. Especially since I am a hardcore insomniac pre-PD diagnosis and now it's worse. I have plenty of psych meds on board, and just wanted something natural in my body. Drinking the tea has become a comforting ritual for me. And I am not a company rep for Teamotions, promise. 😉

[PD_Trucker]

Unless your Neuro was part of the study for that medication it's highly unlikely they will be able to give you a good answer for interactions.

You'll need to talk to the pharmacist about it. Even then they will only share with you what the pharmaceutical comp wants you to know.Good luck and welcome to the club!

[Astronomer90]

The best medication for sleep is the vigorous exercise. I had sleep issues even before my diagnosis where I could sleep for 3-4 h somedays. But since I started the exercise, my sleep issues are gone. Recently I had to stop exercise due to major dental surgery for a couple of weeks and I couldn't sleep at night. I could hardly sleep 3h. I am back to exercise and sleep issues are gone. I do running for 4-5 days for 6-7 km each day.

[LAJ12345]

yes, I can recommend rhodiola. My husband with PD and son with adhd both had noticeable improvement on it. It seems to give more energy to do difficult things that usually are avoided. From watching their behaviour changes you can see noticeable increase in Seratonin improvement in mood and dopamine less procrastination.

But watch ssri possible drug interactions