That's a great question, and an important one — especially if taking carbidopa/levodopa. The FDA recently added a warning that this medication can lower vitamin B6 levels over time, which can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, fatigue, mood changes, or in rare cases, seizures. The right amount of B6 is really something Show Full Answer
That's a great question, and an important one — especially if taking carbidopa/levodopa. The FDA recently added a warning that this medication can lower vitamin B6 levels over time, which can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, fatigue, mood changes, or in rare cases, seizures. The right amount of B6 is really something to work out with your doctor, since it depends on your current levels, your dose of medication, and your overall health. Here's what's recommended:
- Get tested first — ask your doctor to check your B6 levels before starting any supplement
- Don't self-dose — too much B6 can actually cause nerve problems too, so more isn't always better
- Never stop or adjust your carbidopa/levodopa on your own — always talk to your doctor first
The good news is that in reported cases where seizures occurred, they stopped once people received B6. So monitoring levels is key.
June 3