If you've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when you're under 55 years old, the goal of your treatment is to delay the use of levodopa medications like Sinemet, Madopar, or Stalevo for as long as possible. Instead, your doctor may suggest using medications like rasagiline (Azilect) or dopamine agonists such as pramipexole (Mirapex), rotigotine (Neupro patches), or ropinirole.
Later on, when you do need levodopa, you and your doctor can discuss the option of starting with the HPLC standardised mucuna pruriens in MacuDopa. This choice is often considered because it's associated with fewer long-term movement issues (dyskinesia). But remember, it's a decision you should make together with your doctor.
If you're already taking rasagiline or selegiline, both MAO-B inhibitors, it's generally a good idea to stop them two weeks before starting mucuna, just to be safe. Your doctor might also want to reduce your dopamine agonist medications if you're on them.
In any case, when you start mucuna, it'll be at low doses (we suggest MacuDopa - 700 mg / 63% formula) at first. Your doctor will gradually increase this based on how you respond. Your treatment plan should always be a team effort, with you and your doctor working together to find the best approach for your unique needs.
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