Starting Mucuna

[docjleonard55]

reposted You will forgive me if this information has already been disseminated. I am a PWP, diagnosed 2 years ago, after 2 years of misdiagnosis. I currently take Amantadine 3x/day as my only PD med. My neurologist has been "pushing" me to start c/l. I have been reluctant , up until now. With worsening tremor, I think I might be ready. However, I would rather start on Mucuna. Does anyone have advice as to how to do this? I need advice on dosing, best brand, how often, how to approach my neurologist and anything else that anyone feels is important to know about this. I thank everyone for their contributions to this valuable forum, and to responses to my question in particular.

[MBAnderson]

There are a lot of variables involved in using Mucuna Pruriens, i.e., source, brand, strength, which pharmaceuticals is combined with, so it's a little complex. Simon Stott, an encyclopedia of Parkinson's knowledge, who writes the Science of Parkinsons blog recommends against combining MP with pharmaceuticals containing levodopa for a couple reasons, primary among them is you don't know what dose of levodopa you're getting. Personally, I agree. I would take one or the other.

If you look to the right of your post you will see several links to threads where people have asked the same question. Some discussions are more thorough than others, so were I in your situation, I would read through some of those longer threads.

[park_bear]

If you choose to go with Mucuna, do not use an extract which is mostly levodopa, because that is likely to cause nausea. Instead, go with a natural whole bean powder.

If you choose to use a prescription levodopa, I recommend using a time release version instead of immediate release which is often prescribed by default.