Taking medication for Parkinson’s disease (PD) sounds simple: just follow your prescription, take your pills on time, and you’ll be fine. But the reality is far more complicated. I take my meds every three hours just to be able to move, function, and work—but figuring out the right schedule has been a long process of trial and error.
There is no research comparing different approaches to medication timing, and neurologists rarely ask about the adjustments I make between visits. Yet, those small changes—like shifting a dose by 30 minutes—can make the difference between feeling functional and struggling with symptoms.
Despite its importance, optimizing PD medication is an under-researched field. Why? Complexity, money, and the illusion of simplicity. This post explores why managing Parkinson’s meds is harder than it looks and why PwP are often left to figure it out on their own. Because in the end, it’s not just about taking pills—it’s about living well.