Huperzine a
 

Has anyone tried Huperzine A?

Just be careful, because huperzine works the same way Mestinon does (it inhibits the enzyme that breaks down the chemical that the nerves release to communicate with the muscles). If you taking Mestinon and huperzine at the same time, you could get too much acetylcholine in your neuromuscular junctions, which can make you weak.

Abby

I'm relieved that you saw Abby's post. Given your very concerning symptoms, and recent hospital experience, and unless an MD recommended Huperzine, I wonder if it's a good idea for you take anything not prescribed by a physician, just for now. It could make it difficult for doctors to pinpoint problems or successes.

If you are having trouble swallowing your mestinon, ask your doctor if you can place it under your tongue, and let it melt. People find that when prescribed a whole pill, it feels "big" and so some might break it in half, and do it in two parts.

I tried huperzine before my diagnosis. I found it to be helpful but less potent than mestinon. I have read that some people use it when they are trying to cut back on mestinon because of GI problems. They would replace one or two doses with it. I have not used it with mestinon myself. I have had very few side effects with the mestinon dose I am on.
Sandy

I don't mean this in a "smartie" way, but do ya REALLY think an MD is going to recommend Huperzine A? If so, let me know their name and how I can get in touch with them. With all the medical studies on Hup A by physicians in China and their success with it in treating MG, my husband started on it a week ago. It stays in your system longer than Mestinon and does the same thing. So far so good! After taking Hup A the first day, he mentioned his hand hadn't cramped at all that day, his eye didn't water, his nose didn't run, he felt less anxious and nervous, his urine was clearer (not dark like it usually is), and generally, "better". Goodby side effects from Mestinon. He hasn't experienced any of the above mentioned symptoms since stopping Mestinon. He seems to be in better spirits too. I'm not recommending it or saying stop Mestinon - just telling you my hubby's experience with it.

OH! I forgot to mention that my hubby couldn't do very much without getting winded. Not a problem anymore after starting Hup A.

I said, "I wonder if it's a good idea for you take anything not prescribed by a physician, just for now. It could make it difficult for doctors to pinpoint problems or successes..."

My comment was not Huperzine-specific.

Hello Silver Fox, I'm glad your husband has had a good experience with Huperzine. Many of the new graduates in medicine are receptive to natural medicines because many of the universities are now including this in their curriculum. My neuro has a book of Herbs and Natural medicines on his desk, and is not averse to prescribing them. He said something like, "...Huperzine is so processed that it is five minutes away from being labelled a drug..."

,

Maybe I should move to Canada? :winky: I haven't found any nuerologist in our area who would mention alternatives in addition to/over Big Pharma meds, much less know about them! Interesting comment though. It's working for him, so maybe it's not too processed. :Dunno: If anyone has an MD/Nuero in the Atlanta area that does recommend alternatives, let me know. Thanks for the info.

Hey, come on up! :) Wait a minute...Atlanta? On second thought, you won't like the winter, nor the taxes!

My doctor didn't mean processed in a negative way. He meant, it's very close to pharmaceutical grade. Other than my neuro, I haven't had a doctor mention alternatives. More often than not, you have to ask them.