Are there toxic effects, interactions with vitamin B?
Many medicines can interact with vitamin B6 such as MAO inhibitors (rasagiline and selegiline are examples used to treat PD), hydralazine, isoniazid, penicillamine and theophylline. High amounts of vitamin B6 can interfere with the absorption of the PD medicine carbidopa/levodopa so it is not recommended that you take more than 15 mg if you are on this medicine. Vitamin B12 supplements should be avoided in Lebers or optic neuropathy. Vitamin B12 can cause a skin rash and unmask certain problems such as polycythemia vera (associated with high red blood cell count) and gout. Vitamin B12 requires stomach acid to assist in its absorption so antacids and medicines used for acid reflux and heartburn can reduce B12 levels. Ask you cardiologist or primary doctor about B vitamins if you have heart disease requiring angioplasty and/or artery stents, as studies suggest that B vitamins can increase re-blockage. The information and dose outlined above does not apply to everyone so talk to your doct
