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What solutions exist for how to increase the effectiveness of Levodopa? I am asked this question often. Many people confront the challenge of having to take more frequent and higher doses of medications like levodopa to treat their Parkinsons symptoms. Most people would prefer to hold down the dosage taken in light of the possible side effects which can become problematic. Dr. Richard Brown MD offers a natural solution for when medications stop working

Solution to When Medications Stop Working

Dr. Richard Brown, MD offers an interesting option that you might well want to discuss with your own doctor. Dr. Brown has had extensive experience treatment persons who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. My fascinating interview with Dr. Brown follows:

His suggestion, among others, is to begin taking SAM-e, a natural supplement which can be found in health food stores. His research reveals that people who supplement their diet with SAM-e experience

  • Lessened anxiety
  • Improved sleep
  • Enhanced energy
  • Relief from depression

Better yet, he finds that when people who take levodopa take SAM-e with their medication the positive response to levodopa is enhanced considerably. His studies show that people have to take less medication less frequently when SAM-e is taken. On periods are lengthened and off periods are shortened.

Studies show that SAM-e:

  • Enhances mental focus,
  • Sparks new enthusiasm for life,
  • Activates pleasures long abandoned
  • Renews optimism about the future.

Why? SAM-e nurtures the cell membranes of nerves which Dr. Brown explains is one important reason why it can be so helpful to persons who experience Parkinson’s symptoms.

You may have come across early research on SAM-e which showed it had no effect. Dr. Brown explains that this research involved injecting SAM-e into people’s brains. Since SAM-e has to first be processed by the liver, this approach was destined to fail. The only result was to create harmful acidity in the brain.

For most people taking Parkinsons medications, the effects begin to wear off over time. Dr. Richard Brown has a recommendation for when medications are no longer providing the relief expected.

He suggests taking SAM-e as a supplement may provide a solution to this dilemma.

Research on Sam-e and Neurological Conditions

Abstract

Objective: A systematic review on S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions and comorbid medical conditions.

Data sources: Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases between July 15, 2015, and September 28, 2016, by combining search terms for SAMe (s-adenosyl methionine or s-adenosyl-l-methionine) with terms for relevant disease states (major depressive disorder, MDD, depression, perinatal depression, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychotic, 22q11.2, substance abuse, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, or cirrhosis). Additional studies were identified from prior literature. Ongoing clinical trials were identified through clinical trial registries.

Study selection: Of the 174 records retrieved, 21 were excluded, as they were not original investigations. An additional 21 records were excluded for falling outside the scope of this review. Of the 132 studies included in this review, 115 were clinical trials and 17 were preclinical studies.

Data extraction: A wide range of studies was included in this review to capture information that would be of interest to psychiatrists in clinical practice.

Results: This review of SAMe in the treatment of major depressive disorder found promising but limited evidence of efficacy and safety to support its use as a monotherapy and as an augmentation for other antidepressants. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that SAMe may ameliorate symptoms in certain neurocognitive, substance use, and psychotic disorders and comorbid medical conditions.

Conclusions: S-adenosylmethionine holds promise as a treatment for multiple neuropsychiatric conditions. The encouraging findings support further study of SAMe in both psychiatric and comorbid medical illnesses.

 

 

 

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease