Giving up Sinemet - are there practical alternatives ?
From time to time I get so fed up with the side effects of taking Sinemet (I take generic version) that I just decide not to take any of my PD medications for a day or two. I think people call these medication vacations. Of course the problem is I don't like my PD symptoms either once all the Sinemet has totally left my body.
I've only been taking Sinemet for a year and I'm already fed up with its side effects (dyskinesia, dystonia etc.). Everything I've read says that the side effects usually present somewhere between 5-10 years after starting regular Sinemet consumption. In my case, I noticed side effects are a couple months and they're only getting worse IMO.
I've heard that Mucuna pruriens and fava beans can replace Sinemet, however I have no real idea how to calculate what I would need for dosage or if there would be other side effects that I could not tolerate either.
Anyone in this community have any alternatives to Sinemet that work for them?
At present I take no PD meds after working closely with my medical team. I cannot tolerate levodopa and am highly drug sensitive. No other alternatives seemed to be helpful. Although I never developed dyskinesia or dystonia my side effects were far worse than anything it seemed to control and interfered with another movement disorder I have. I am merely sharing my personal experience.I am not giving medical advice as we are not in a position to do so. I strongly advise you to consult with a movement disorder specialist if you have not already done so.I hope you can get some answers. Thea DeStephano Community Team Member 
Thank you for writing to us, F-Neuro. None of us likes the side effects of any medication. I agree with Thea DeStephano's comment that the best person to ask about mucuna pruriens and Fava beans in place of Sinemet would be discussing it with your movement disorder Neurologist. Best, Marc M., Advocate, parkinsonsdisease.net
