Even if he’s taken Zandopa for years, it can suddenly start causing diarrhea. This can happen because the gut becomes more sensitive over time, the dose or brand/formulation changed, or because of a new interaction with food or another medication. Parkinson’s meds like Zandopa can also speed up bowel movement or irritate the intestines. However, new, severe diarrhea is not something to ignore—especially if it happens after every dose or even after eating. Infection, inflammation, or another unrelated GI problem could also be the cause. 👉 He should contact his doctor promptly. The doctor may adjust the dose, switch formulations, or check for other causes. 🚨 Get urgent care if there’s dehydration, blood in stool, fever, or weight loss.
It has happened after every dose—even after reducing from the heaping scoop that comes with it down to a 1 teaspoon. He usually has a banana or some oatmeal before taking it. Used to take it on an empty stomach…
He only gets the diarrhea after taking Zandopa -/ I started having him eat something first thinking that might help…. But he has deteriorated memory wise & health wise after being off of the Zandopa
Ok- I JUST realized that last summer I had been on a carnivore diet -/ nothing but milk, eggs, steak, cheese, etc…. This would’ve ended up affecting my husbands gut microbiome— no fiber all of a sudden. We ate this way for a couple of months // How do I fix this?? I feel terrible!
Persistent diarrhea after every dose can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss. It’s not normal for a long-term med to suddenly cause this consistently. - What to do: Stop taking Zandopa until a neurologist reviews Hydrate aggressively with ORS Track frequency, volume, color of stool See your previous doctor who advised it urgently for evaluation; they may switch formulation, dose, or check for other causes Until then I prescribed u some ayurvedic medicine which will help u and plus one allopathic - Loperamide 2 mg after each loose stool, max 4/day – avoid if fever or blood in stool) ors continue sip by sip Red flags for immediate care: Blood in stool Severe abdominal pain Fever Dizziness or fainting Tq
Ok , got it due to this you can’t stop zandopa No worries, At present we can’t stop zandopa in that case , but give it in low dose right in this situation, and consult with your doctor he will give alternate option for this medicine. And what u to do now - - low dose zandopa - loperamide 2 mg after stool - max 4/day - continue with ayurveda medicine as supportive.
You can also start with - 1) Pectin / Oral Decoction (Banana, Rice Water, Cumin Water) Banana + Rice water (Kanji): Soothes gut, provides electrolytes Cumin + Fennel + Ginger decoction: 1 cup, 2–3 times daily 3. Bilva (Aegle marmelos) Powder / Tablet Dose: 500 mg , twice daily Effect: Reduces frequency of loose stools 4. Yogurt / Probiotic Lassi Effect: Restores gut flora - Cautions: Avoid heavy, oily, or very spicy foods Avoid self-medicating with strong astringent herbs like Kutaja for long-term use without practitioner guidance - Monitor for dehydration; Ayurvedic remedies are supportive but don’t replace medical evaluation if diarrhea is severe
The neurologists in our city are familiar with mucuna pruriens or Zandopa…. So there’s no one to help me with figuring this out. He has lost about 40 lbs over the past year// his appetite was really low—. He used to be a big eater-/ really enjoyed food! It’s been a hard last couple of years.
We live in Columbia, MO USA
it sounds really overwhelming. Losing 40 lbs in a year with worsening appetite and diarrhea is serious. This isn’t just a “med side effect” anymore; it’s now malnutrition and possible dehydration, and it’s taking a toll on both his Parkinson’s and overall health. - Why this is serious Persistent diarrhea after Zandopa → he’s losing nutrients and fluids every day. Weight loss + low appetite → puts him at high risk for weakness, infections, and worsening cognition. Stopping Zandopa worsens Parkinson’s → but continuing it causes diarrhea. This is a high-priority medical situation. Waiting for the “perfect neurologist” isn’t safe - Immediate Steps You Can Take Today Do not stop Zandopa abruptly. It’s worsening Parkinson’s symptoms. - Hydrate aggressively: ORS, coconut water, rice water. - High-calorie, soft foods if tolerated: bananas, oatmeal, yogurt, nut butters, soups. - Track stool frequency, consistency, timing after Zandopa. - Seek urgent medical attention: even a general physician or internist can help stabilize him, check labs (CBC, electrolytes, kidney function), and manage diarrhea temporarily -as advice upper ayurvedic support medicine+ loperamide - while planning neurologist follow-up. ***** If there will not any general physician also u got, kindly tell history, and where u live?
Ok , got it due to this you can’t stop zandopa No worries, At present we can’t stop zandopa in that case , but give it in low dose right in this situation, and consult with your doctor he will give alternate option for this medicine. And what u to do now - - low dose zandopa - loperamide 2 mg after stool - max 4/day - continue with ayurveda medicine as supportive.
Plz , tell the complete condition in detail, bcz this is prohibiting to get exact step. And diagnosis, when it’s started, what he is taking? Any investigation?
He has been taking Levidopa Carbidopa CR 100/25 1-2 times per day. He’s gotten very sensitive to meds & also has to have protein at least 1.5 hours away from the medicine. He’s gotten very hasn’t been as strong or cognitively good as when he was taking Zandopa also. He’s been off of the Zandopa for about 3 months… I am trying to figure out how to get him healthy again.
Stay calm firstly, neither u will fall in stress also , if u will be ok - u will able to take care of him. I understand I got results from zendopa but that doesn’t mean only one medicine, there are many alternatives also, and in us u can find the best doctors too, who will give u the alternatives. At present visit in person there review with your prescription according to his current condition with investigation. And add on upper prescribed ayurveda medicine, as u are there we can’t go to panchkarma procedure but also add- her feel message daily with sheerbala oil , If possible on whole body.
Thank you so much Dr. Garg! You are very kind & I can tell a wonderful doctor.
Zandopa (Mucuna pruriens) contains L-Dopa, which can irritate the stomach and intestines. Even if he tolerated it for years, sudden diarrhea can happen due to Change in brand or dose Gut sensitivity developing with age Interaction with new medicines or foods Weak digestion / intestinal infection Taking it without proper adjuvant (like milk or food suited to him) Take Dadimastaka churnam 1tsp
I just realized that I have dabbled with a carnivore diet a couple of times over the last 2 years. He was also having some impulsivity/addictive type problems that were uncharacteristic for him. He also fell asleep while driving which was terrifying — thank God we’re ok🙏🏻. So I got him off of ropinerole & started reducing the levodopa/carbidopa, while continuing with the Zandopa which seemed to be more effective anyway…… after reducing his medications…. and later the carnivore diet for a couple of months the last 2 years ( maybe a total of 4 months)., we’ve had a super difficult time! He was never as strict as I was but… since I’m the main food preparation person these days- it would have impacted him pretty strongly…… I wish our neurologists in the United States were familiar with Zandopa & mucuna pruriens as well as other natural plants & herbs🙏🏻.
I really wish I could go back to where he was 2 years ago & that I wouldn’t have made such drastic changes.
WHEN A MEDICINE THAT HAS BEEN USED FOR MANY YEARS SUDDENLY STARTS CAUSING DIARRHEA IT CLEARLY INDICATES THAT THE INTERNAL BALANCE OF THE BODY HAS CHANGED THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON IN LONG TERM MEDICATION USE WHERE OVER TIME THE DIGESTIVE FIRE BECOMES IRREGULAR AND THE INTESTINES TURN MORE SENSITIVE ZANDOPA ACTS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND CAN INCREASE GUT ACTIVITY WHEN AGNI BECOMES TIKSHNA OR UNSTABLE THE SAME MEDICINE CAN START CAUSING EXCESSIVE BOWEL MOVEMENTS LOOSE STOOLS AND DIARRHEA EVEN AFTER FOOD THIS IS A CLASSIC PRESENTATION OF VATAPITTA DUSHTI IN THE ANNA VAHA AND PURISHA VAHA SROTAS CHRONIC DIARRHEA WITHOUT OTHER MAJOR SYMPTOMS INDICATES FUNCTIONAL DISTURBANCE OF THE GUT RATHER THAN INFECTION THE MEDICINE IS NOW ACTING AS A TRIGGER ON A SENSITIVE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM CONTINUING IT WITHOUT CORRECTING AGNI AND GUT STABILITY CAN PROLONG THE PROBLEM FROM AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE THE FIRST AIM IS TO STABILIZE DIGESTION AND CONTROL ATIPRAVRITTI OF THE BOWELS MEDICINES THAT STRENGTHEN THE INTESTINAL MUCOSA AND NORMALIZE AGNI ARE REQUIRED AYURVEDIC MEDICINES COMMONLY USED IN SUCH CONDITIONS INCLUDE BILVA AVALEHA OR BILVADI CHURNA TO CONTROL LOOSE MOTIONS AND STRENGTHEN THE GUT GRAHANI SUPPORTING FORMULATIONS SUCH AS TAKRARISHTA TO IMPROVE DIGESTIVE STABILITY KUTAJARISHTA OR KUTAJ GHANA CAN HELP IN CHRONIC NON INFECTIVE DIARRHEA SHANKH BHASMA IN PROPER MEDICAL SUPERVISION TO REGULATE AGNI AND REDUCE HYPERACIDITY ALONG WITH MEDICINES DIETARY CORRECTION IS ESSENTIAL WARM LIGHT EASILY DIGESTIBLE FOOD AT REGULAR TIMES IS IMPORTANT COLD RAW FERMENTED OR VERY SPICY FOODS CAN WORSEN THIS CONDITION THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE CONDITION IS PERMANENT IT MEANS THE BODY IS ASKING FOR REEVALUATION OF BOTH DIGESTIVE HEALTH AND MEDICATION NEED THE DOSAGE OR TIMING OF ZANDOPA MAY NEED ADJUSTMENT AFTER CONSULTING THE TREATING DOCTOR CHRONIC DIARRHEA SHOULD NEVER BE IGNORED AS IT CAN LEAD TO WEAKNESS DEHYDRATION AND ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE WITH PROPER AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT FOCUSED ON GRAHANI AND AGNI BALANCE THE BOWEL MOVEMENTS CAN NORMALIZE AND OVERALL HEALTH CAN BE RESTORED
Dr. Pentakota? Did you see my reply above about the medicine changes & the carnivore diet above. I just realized all of this as I was reading your response. How do we rebuild his gut & find the suitable food that will strengthen him & help his digestive system? We are in the US & when I tried to check out to purchase your suggestions I cannot. Please advise🙏🏻
HELLO, Your husband’s problem is not an infection, food poisoning, or sudden disease It is a functional digestive disorder that ha developed slowly over time WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? -The digestive system works properly when the digestive fire is balanced -Long term continues use of mediicne (Zandopa) has gradually irritated the intestine and weakened digestion -Over months and years , the intestines became over-sensitive -Now whenever food or the medicine enters –the intestine reacts too fast –water is not absorbed properly –stool becomes loose and urgent That is why -diarrhea happens even after eating -there is no pain, fever, or infection -the problem continues for more than 6 months This condition corresponds to Pitta dominant grahani with Agni mandya (weak digestion) Drava atisara (watery stools) pakwashaya dushti (colon irritation) In simple words The stomach cannot digest properly, and the intestine cannot hold or absorb food correctly TREATMENT GOALS -calm the irritated intestine -restore digestive fire gently -stop diarrhea without blocking toxins -heal gut lining -prevent recurrence -make the body tolerate medicines again INTERNAL MEDICATIONS IMMEDIATE STEP STOP ZANDOPA Even if it helped earlier, Ayurveda strongly advises reassessment when -diarrhea becomes chronic -medicine itself triggers bowel irritation Restart only after gut stabilisation START 1) KUTAJGHAN VATI= 2 tabs twice daily after meals with rice gruel or warm water for 8 weeks =best for chronic diarrhea, reduces excess intestinal secretion, strengthens colon muscles, stop urgency without causing constipation 2) DADIMASHTAKA CHURNA= 1/2 tsp twice daily after meals with warm water =improves digestion gently, prevents food triggered diarrhea, reduces gas and bowel rush 3) BILVA AVALEHA= 1 tsp once daily after lunch =strengthens intestinal wall, improves stool consistency, nourishes gut tissue 4) YASHTIMADHU CHURNA= 1/4 tsp at bedtime with warm water =heals gut lining, reduces irritation and burning, prevents relapse EXTERNAL TREATMENT ABDOMINAL OIL MASSAGE= BALA OIL -massage gently around navel in circular motion, 5-7 minutes daily =calms vata, improves intestinal coordination, reduces bowel urgency DIET -rice gruel -soft cooked rice -moong dal -boiled vegetables- bottle gourd, ash gourd -thin buttermilk with roasted cumin -ripe banana AVOID -milk, panner, cheese, -curd at night -tea,coffee -spicy, fried foods -pickles, vinegar -bakery items -cold drinks Food must be warm, freshly cooked, and. simple HOME REMEDIES 1) POMEGRANATE PEEL DEOCTION -boil dried peel in water -reduce to half -drink 1-2 times daily 2) NUTMEG REMEDY -a pinch of nutmeg powder -with honey -once daily only 3) BUTTERMILK THERAPY -thin buttermilk -add roasted cumin + pinch of rock salt -once daily after lunch YOGA ASANAS -vajrasana after meals -pawanmuktasana -malasana -apanasana PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= 10 rounds -Sheetali/sheetkari= for pitta calming -Bhramari= stress reduction AVOID -kapalbhati -bhastrika -excessive core workouts EXPECTED RECOVERY TIMELINE 2 WEEKS= stool frequency reduces 4 WEEKS= urgency improves 6-8 WEEKS= digestion stabilizes 3 MONTHS=medicine tolerance returns This condition is reversible It developed slowly, so it will Heal gradually Ayurveda does not suppress diarrhea suddenl- it restores intestinal intelligence With -correct medicines -diet discipline -lifestyle correction The gut regains strength, digestion normalises, and long term stability is achieved DO FOLLOW HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL THANK YOU DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
HELLO, Your husband’s problem is not an infection, food poisoning, or sudden disease It is a functional digestive disorder that ha developed slowly over time WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? -The digestive system works properly when the digestive fire is balanced -Long term continues use of mediicne (Zandopa) has gradually irritated the intestine and weakened digestion -Over months and years , the intestines became over-sensitive -Now whenever food or the medicine enters –the intestine reacts too fast –water is not absorbed properly –stool becomes loose and urgent That is why -diarrhea happens even after eating -there is no pain, fever, or infection -the problem continues for more than 6 months This condition corresponds to Pitta dominant grahani with Agni mandya (weak digestion) Drava atisara (watery stools) pakwashaya dushti (colon irritation) In simple words The stomach cannot digest properly, and the intestine cannot hold or absorb food correctly TREATMENT GOALS -calm the irritated intestine -restore digestive fire gently -stop diarrhea without blocking toxins -heal gut lining -prevent recurrence -make the body tolerate medicines again INTERNAL MEDICATIONS IMMEDIATE STEP STOP ZANDOPA Even if it helped earlier, Ayurveda strongly advises reassessment when -diarrhea becomes chronic -medicine itself triggers bowel irritation Restart only after gut stabilisation START 1) KUTAJGHAN VATI= 2 tabs twice daily after meals with rice gruel or warm water for 8 weeks =best for chronic diarrhea, reduces excess intestinal secretion, strengthens colon muscles, stop urgency without causing constipation 2) DADIMASHTAKA CHURNA= 1/2 tsp twice daily after meals with warm water =improves digestion gently, prevents food triggered diarrhea, reduces gas and bowel rush 3) BILVA AVALEHA= 1 tsp once daily after lunch =strengthens intestinal wall, improves stool consistency, nourishes gut tissue 4) YASHTIMADHU CHURNA= 1/4 tsp at bedtime with warm water =heals gut lining, reduces irritation and burning, prevents relapse EXTERNAL TREATMENT ABDOMINAL OIL MASSAGE= BALA OIL -massage gently around navel in circular motion, 5-7 minutes daily =calms vata, improves intestinal coordination, reduces bowel urgency DIET -rice gruel -soft cooked rice -moong dal -boiled vegetables- bottle gourd, ash gourd -thin buttermilk with roasted cumin -ripe banana AVOID -milk, panner, cheese, -curd at night -tea,coffee -spicy, fried foods -pickles, vinegar -bakery items -cold drinks Food must be warm, freshly cooked, and. simple HOME REMEDIES 1) POMEGRANATE PEEL DEOCTION -boil dried peel in water -reduce to half -drink 1-2 times daily 2) NUTMEG REMEDY -a pinch of nutmeg powder -with honey -once daily only 3) BUTTERMILK THERAPY -thin buttermilk -add roasted cumin + pinch of rock salt -once daily after lunch YOGA ASANAS -vajrasana after meals -pawanmuktasana -malasana -apanasana PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= 10 rounds -Sheetali/sheetkari= for pitta calming -Bhramari= stress reduction AVOID -kapalbhati -bhastrika -excessive core workouts EXPECTED RECOVERY TIMELINE 2 WEEKS= stool frequency reduces 4 WEEKS= urgency improves 6-8 WEEKS= digestion stabilizes 3 MONTHS=medicine tolerance returns This condition is reversible It developed slowly, so it will Heal gradually Ayurveda does not suppress diarrhea suddenl- it restores intestinal intelligence With -correct medicines -diet discipline -lifestyle correction The gut regains strength, digestion normalises, and long term stability is achieved DO FOLLOW HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL THANK YOU DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
