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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

There seems to be conflicting reports on whether you should take vit. B 6 or not to take it?….

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
September 17
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FDA Adds Vitamin B6 and Seizure Warning to Carbidopa/Levodopa Treatments Read Article...
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

My husband was tested for B6 and B12. It turns out he was fine for B6 but deficient in B12. Don't supplement unless you have an actual deficiency.

September 17
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I started taking a supplement 100 mg of B6 daily. I am going to see another neurologist regarding seizure that I had. Hopefully, they can determine the cause of the seizure previously thought to be caused by discontinuation of Klonopin without titration off of the med. I learned the hard way that removing someone from all the medication without appropriate titration can cause serious consequences for the patient.

3 days ago
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous system and immune system healthy.

Food sources of vitamin B-6 include poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas and fortified cereals. Vitamin B-6 can also be taken as a supplement, typically as an oral capsule, tablet or liquid.
Credit: WebMD
Gordon Stewart

September 17
MyParkinsonsTeam

It's understandable why this feels confusing — the information around vitamin B6 and Parkinson's has some nuance to it. Here's a clearer picture:

The FDA recently added a warning to carbidopa/levodopa medications about the risk of vitamin B6 deficiency. This is because carbidopa/levodopa can lower B6 levels in two ways:

- The Show Full Answer

It's understandable why this feels confusing — the information around vitamin B6 and Parkinson's has some nuance to it. Here's a clearer picture:

The FDA recently added a warning to carbidopa/levodopa medications about the risk of vitamin B6 deficiency. This is because carbidopa/levodopa can lower B6 levels in two ways:

- The body uses vitamin B6 to process levodopa
- Carbidopa may bind to vitamin B6, making it less active Low B6 levels can cause symptoms like:

- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Depression or confusion
- Fatigue
- In rare, severe cases — seizures The key takeaway is that this isn't a reason to stop taking carbidopa/levodopa. The FDA recommends that doctors check B6 levels before and during treatment, and consider supplements if levels are low.

The bottom line: don't start or stop B6 supplements on your own. Ask your doctor to test your B6 levels so any decision is based on what your body actually needs.

September 17

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Do you take vitamins or supplements ?

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Anyone taking carbidopa/levodopa and having vitamin b6 checked?

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Wausau, WI
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