I use carbidopa/levodopa daily and have for about 4 years. I’ve tried with out the medication for about 2 weeks on two separate occasions recently. Unfortunately I was shocked at how difficult all movement was without it. But I’m concerned. Does Carbidopa/Levodopa hamper recovery? Any data on this?

Pat

The challenge with taking medication is that over time, a higher dosage is needed to achieve the same benefit. Eventually, increases in dosage have no added impact and begin making matters worse. It is not that the medications make the situation worse. It is just that they stop offering the benefit originally intended by you and your doctor.

As in your case, let me stress that users can celebrate symptom relief and are able to function again. It helps you feel better now. The trick is to begin exploring the cause of your symptoms and begin with therapies that address them. For example, if toxins are a cause, being a detox program in close consultation with your doctor.

My research reveals that it is not advisable to stop taking any prescription medication – to go “cold turkey.” The side effects of withdrawal can be troublesome.

If you decide to reduce the medication after consulting with your doctor it is critical to do so slowly and gradually. Compounding pharmacists are an ideal resource who can help you reduce the dosage very gradually so that the reduction does not trigger strong side effects.

A number of persons have reported that medications have helped them get back on their feet so that they could begin doing what is required to reverse the symptoms. Once other options are found that address the causes of your symptoms, many people find they do not need to take as much medication and some have been successful with weaning off of them completely. This of course is a slow process that needs to be pursued mindfully.

In the end, when it comes to the question of – does Carbidopa/Levodopa hamper recovery- it is a question of balance. There are a multitude of therapeutic options that are helping people reverse their symptoms. Once options in addition to the medication are identified and found to facilitate a reversal of symptoms, most people find it is possible to begin reducing their medication dosage very gradually in close consultation with their doctor and their compounding pharmacist.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery