The conventional approach to managing medication in Parkinson's disease, particularly with drugs like levodopa, typically involves a doctor-prescribed schedule where patients are told exactly when to take their medication and how much to take. The dosage and timing are determined solely by the medical professional, and patients have little to no say in this decision. This is a standard practice in many medical treatments, where the patient follows the doctor's instructions dutifully.
However, Parkinson's disease presents a unique challenge in terms of medication management. Patients with Parkinson's often experience fluctuations in their symptoms due to the 'on-and-off' periods associated with levodopa, which can be highly variable and unpredictable. They have periods when the medication is effective (on-time) and other times when the medication's effects wear off or become less effective (off-time). During off-time, patients may experience a resurgence of the characteristic motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with mobility.
In contrast to traditional medication management, Mucuna pruriens offers a more patient-centric approach. It encourages patients to actively participate in determining their medication schedule, giving them the ability to take Mucuna when they feel it's necessary. This personalized approach recognises the patient's unique understanding of their own condition and symptom fluctuations.
Patients are encouraged to anticipate their needs by taking Mucuna a little before it's evident that they require a dose. This proactive approach is supported by the fact that the L-DOPA in Mucuna takes up to 40 minutes to become fully effective. By taking it ahead of time, ideally in this case 40 minutes before the expected need, patients can better maintain a consistent level of medication in their system. This personalised dosing strategy helps them remain in an "on" state, meaning they can effectively manage their symptoms without experiencing the disruptive effects associated with low dopamine levels.
Mucuna puts you, 'the patient', back in the driving seat, actively managing your symptom relief.