| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:21 pm Post subject: Working my recovery | |
| I thank the entire staff at Florida Detox for their extreme dedication, professionalism, courtesy and love filled hearts. Dr. Spaunagle, in my opinion is one of the most intelligent, caring individuals I have ever met, and somehow the entire staff that helped me during my procedure were the same. I was very leary about making the decision to come to Florida and go under anesthesia to stop my craziness and begin my recovery. Distance was an issue, since I live about l800 miles from FD, money was a huge concern, and I was leary due to the fact the this was not my first attempt to stop my addiction. A few months prior coming to FD, I had gone to a very prestigious West Coast facility that I had found on the internet. It was a 28 day program (VERY EXPENSIVE), and according to the net advertisements, it was geared "for the professional", with your own private suites on the ocean, internet access (so that you could continue to run your business while there), a personal chef, daily one on one counseling and so much more. Well, I went. I should've been leary when they encouraged me to take whatever meds I wanted to to get there. (that way you don't read the fine print when they give you the paperwork upon arrival.) Where do I start.....the photos on the net were very deceiving, the personal chef had just gone into treatment, therefore, there was no personal chef, the internet access never did work, the air conditioner never worked, the "house" that I stayed in _co-ed, was not locked, nor did we have locks on the bedroom doors. Also, there were no supervisors, just those of us there for treatment. (Quite interesting, what I didn't already know about drugs, I learned). Most unbelieveable is that in l2 days, I saw my "one on one" counselor ONE time. Something else rather odd, to get to the main facility for meetings and meds, etc., I had to walk down an alley, up a road (past a really Unique (to say the least) bar, cross a four lane highway, and ring a bell to get in. This included the 9:00 PM med call. One night I got up to the main blg. sobbing my eyes out of fear and the other detox anxieties. I finally called my husband, told him to make me a flight home asap and left. I believe it was on me l3th day. The managed to get an old licoln to drive me to the airport, with an old driver who, I swear did everything he could to make me miss my flight. Including letting me off at the total opposite end of the airport from where my flight was and stopping to get gas on the way. With literally minutes to spare, I boarded the airplane, took a zanax and made it home. The program obviously didn't work. It's so different at FD. It's amazing. The procedure is the first step, there's still work everyday in recovery, but it's the best I've done so far. I would not hesitate to reccomend the facility to anyone. It's been a little over 3 months for me and I still am working at it, guess I always will. At least I have the opportunity to do my best w/ a clear head, thanks to everyone at Florida Detox. All my best and God bless,
Missy
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Beez88
Looking for Recovery
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 1
Location: Tampa, Fl | Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 2:14 am Post subject: Life is Good ! (XANAX and VICODIN) | |
| The night before I was supposed to enter traditional detox I found Florida Detox. It was by the grace of God that I happened upon the testimonial of Stephanie and then back paged to read the Florida Detox website.
At the time I was consuming at least 10 Vicodin a day and probably at least 30 mg of Xanax. I had totally destroyed my career, my finances, and my family. In the months before I was detoxed I closed myself off from everybody, only leaving my house to do absoulutely what was needed. Suicidal thoughts ran through my mind hourly and I didn't think I could get back from this dark terrible place that my addiction had created.
Like many people my road to prescription medication addiction began with back surgury. I was also "diagnosed" with panic/anxiety disorder and depression and was prescribed Xanax and a multitude of medications over the years to treat those symtomns. I also indulged in a great deal of self medication. I now realize that my addiction began many years ago. I only changed my vices. However, I had reached the point of being sick and tired of being sick and tired.
My experience with Florida Detox began after making that first phone call. Nobody judged me but rather they set in place all the mechanics to enable me to go in. Barb even called my family for me to explain the procedure. Shortly after the first phone call I received a call from my father who said I was set to go in on April 17, 2006. When the car came to pick me up I had a wonderful driver, Faruz. He had also picked Stephanie up and he talked me through the whole ride. Had it not been for him I do not know if I would have made it in. In the following few days I met so many wonderful and great people, Dr. Sponaugle, his staff, the nurses and many of the other people who detoxed at the same time as me. I can not express in words what a relief it is to finally be able to, "leave your shame at the door", after so many years of having to lie & scheme to make sure I didn't go without my drugs. The procedure was so much less painful than going through being drug sick and in the following days everything was done to assure that I was mentally and physically comfortable. As I was also on benzos I had to be weaned off of those but was given medication to ensure that I didn't have seizures, withdrawls, or cravings.
I have been clean for a month now and it is a day by day process. However, everybody at Florida Detox has supported me. Dr. Sponaugle truely gave me my life back. I was finally diagnoised correctly and everything in my life made sense. I have ADHD and am on medication that treats the problem not the symptoms. I am also able to handle my back pain without the use of narcotics.
I would like to let anyone who reads this know that there is hope. No matter how far down you believe you are there are people who care and are willing and able to bring you back. Life is good again! :D
If anybody would like to contact me please send me a PM. I will return any messages within a short time. |
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XANAX and METHADONE | Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 7:12 pm Post subject: Methadone and Xanax (originally posted at heroindetox.com) | |
| 8string
New Member
USA
1 Posts Posted - Aug 14 2007 : 2:45:30 PM
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This is how things developed for me with Rapid Detox. It is lengthy, but worth the read. I hope it is helpful, particularly if you are considering stopping the use of methadone, or other opiates.
I was on Methadone for 2 years, at 90 mgs per day, and 3 mg of xanax per day. The methadone was for pain management after 2 back surgeries, and the xanax due to stress. I was on percocet for two years prior to the methadone. My back finally started hurting less earlier this year.
I had tried to wean off methadone and xanax, but it was a constant battle, with no success, and my dependency had left me in a very worried state, both for my health, mental clarity, and paranoia of not having methadone, and the possiblilty of suffering withdrawal symptoms. I also was having side effects from the drugs that were as bad as the symptoms that caused me to take the drugs years earlier. I was getting no where, yet my back was healed. I was left with a drug dependency, nice word for addiction, without debate of word definitions to "make it feel" ok.
I researched the web, checked groups like this, called rapid detox centers (hospitals, clinics (mostly clinics)). The clinics scared me. I decided that I would not subject myself and my family to the risks of a clinic, and particularly the ones that send you to a hotel the next day. I decided it was going to have to be done in a fully accredited, operational hospital, and that they had to include enough post procedure days for me to feel comfortable.
I narrowed it down to a Detox, in Florida. I checked in on July 9th. The first day I attended a seminar that the Dr conducted. The room was full, with well over 50 people from all over the area, to hear what he had to say about the effects of all types of drugs, and alcohol, on the brain. He did a great job of explaining this, better than anything I'd been told.
They had me relax in my hospital bed the rest of the day. My wife stayed with me every day from morning to night. I was set up with an IV, and stayed on my methadone and xanax right up to the procedure, so I didn't have to feel any withdrawal. They put me under anesthesia that night. I woke up 36 hours later, and asked when they were going to start. I had no idea it was done already. They kept me pretty medicated till Thursday. The staff was more than GREAT. Thank God for such talented, caring people. There were about four other patients undergoing the same procedure in other hospital rooms. The Detox Center is on a floor of their own in the Hospital. I was released on Friday, and followed a tapering plan on several medications, including Subutex, so that I wouldn't feel any symptoms as I adjusted to life without methadone and xanax. EMPHASIS ADDED It is now August 14th, 5 weeks later, and this will be the last week of the medications for symptoms.
I have only had to call Florida Detox two times in the 5 weeks, due to minor withdrawal feelings. They were prompt, and told me what to do to feel better. I never once had nausea, or anything as close as some of the bad feelings I had while on the drugs.
I cannot express how happy and how good I feel now. My clarity is back, and I have optimism again. The chains have been broken, and I look forward to the rest of my life. My family keeps saying that "the old Guy is back. They now can finally talk about the concerns they have had over the last five years (I was on percocet for over two years before the methadone). There were times when I would doze off during conversations, due to the combination of methadone and xanax. I feel better than I have in years, and wouldn't trade this for all the drugs in the world. I am free again.
Please feel free to email me if I can answer any questions about my experience. I hope this helps someone.
Guy
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------------------------------------------------------- KLONOPIN DETOX CJN
patient
Joined: 17 Mar 2007
Posts: 9
|  Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:42 pm Post subject: klonopin detox | |
| I hope this can give encouragement to anyone that has become addicted to a benzo. Like so many others, I became the accidental addict. I should have never been prescribed this drug.
When I first started researching this site, I was a little discouraged because I couldn't find anyone that had been detoxed off of klonopin. I knew that a benzo was like no other drug.....the withdrawal can last for weeks and even months. Traditional detox usually doesn't work. But, I had tried to taper off of the drug and even had tried cold turkey, but the withdrawal was so intense I couldn't stand it. My worst symptoms were extreme anxiety and insomnia. It has been 4 months now and the extreme anxiety is now gone. When I was detoxed off the klonopin , they handled my symptoms with nonaddictive meds, natural supplements, and amino acids. I am feeling more and more like me again!
When I found Florida Detox, I called and got as much info as I could. I even visited the hospital before I made the decision to enter the program. I felt that Florida Detox was my hope and it has been. Dr. Sponaugle, Steve Sponaugle, and the entire staff have gone out of their way to help me.
For anyone who is struggling with an addiction to a benzo.....there is a way out and Florida Detox can help you. ----------------------------------------------- |
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AMBIEN and VICODIN | Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 5:56 pm Post subject: Dorothy-75 years young, Ambien, Vicodin | |
| Dear Dr. Sponaugle,
There is so much I would like to say that it is difficult to know where to start. At the beginning, I guess. I am a 75 year old woman who heard about your services on TV. I was mesmerized by what I heard.
The very next morning I called your clinic. The response I received was incredible. Not only was Jane compassionate and caring when I explained my problem but she was extremely helpful in setting up a time for me to arrive at your location to receive the help I so desperately needed. I had been addicted to two prescription medications (vicodin for 11 years and ambien for 8 years). No matter how hard I tried I could not rid myself of the terrible addiction I suffered.
November 13, 2005 I took a plane from St. Louis, MO to Tampa, FL. I was scared, as I had no idea what to expect and my husband would not be able to join me for several days.
On November 14th I reported for my appointment. Your entire staff was wonderful. Several of your senior staff members spoke with me including Paula, Greg, and Brenda. It amazed me that they were so interested in me and my problem and told me not to worry as you would take care of everything. Then we talked, Dr. Sponaugle. What a wonderful Christian man you are. Your dedication to serving the patients who come to you for help they cannot receive anywhere else is nothing short of phenomenal.
The next day when I arrived all was in readiness. You were there to see that each stage of my procedure went smoothly. I was treated with respect in all areas. I did not know what to expect or what the outcome would be, but you assured me that it was all taken care of and I would awaken to a new day. How true that was.
When I awoke the following morning my addictions were gone forever. How can I thank you. There are no words in any dictionary that can express my feelings over the entire course of treatment. I remained in the hospital for two days so that I could be monitored.
Whey my husband arrived, you and Brenda spent several hours with both of us counseling us on the medications I would be taking for several weeks and what to expect as my recovery continued. You were available by phone to answer all my questions and not once did you treat me as if I no longer needed reassurance. I would shout your services from the house tops if possible. I know that I was the oldest patient that has received treatment at your facility. That alone was a challenge for you and you rose to the occasion magnificently.
How I wish that others in my position could know of your services. I requested and was sent a packet that told of your treatment center in detail, including the cost. It may be expensive, but it is worth every penny and more. I gave the packet to my local physician so that he could refer his other patients who were in the same category I was before I came to Tampa.
In closing let me state that my family is overjoyed at my recovery even thought they may not understand what took place. My husband, children, and grandchildren say I am a different person now that my body is rid of all signs of addiction. God is good. Once again let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me back my life. I no longer have the insomnia that I suffered from for so many years. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing. Someday it will be available to all of those individuals who are in trouble with addictions whatever the addiction might be.
Sincerely,
Dorothy ---------------------------------------------------------------
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FIORICET Amy
Guest
| | Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 3:53 pm Post subject: Tranquilizers and Migraines | |
| December 2005
I am writing this testimonial on my 42nd birthday. I am pointing this out because a year ago on my 41st birthday, I didn?t think I would live long enough to see birthday #42. Thanks to Florida Detox, I hope to see another 60 birthdays. Here?s my story?.
I have suffered from Migraine Headaches for almost 20 years. The more children I had, the worse they got. Was it hormones or stress? No one seemed to know. To make things worse, I also suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts.
In the last 10 years I have really struggled. I started seeing a Family Dr. for migraines. When her ideas were exhausted, I moved on to a Neurologist, and then consulted with my OB/GYN thinking this could be hormonal. I?ve had the CT Scans, MRI?s, Physical Therapy, and piles of medications (Blue Cross paid out $6,400.00 in prescription costs for 2005).
In December of 2004 (my 41st birthday) I went to see the Nurse Practitioner at the Neurologist?s office. I confided in her that I thought I might be addicted to the Fioricet that her office had prescribed. She suggested a treatment plan. I told her I wouldn?t leave my husband and 3 children for 30+ days. I tried detoxing at home, by myself.
I spent most of December 2004 on the couch, out of work, depressed, diarreah, shakes, headaches, guilt, and overall sadness ? all day, every day. I made it until April. In April, I started the Fioricet again, prescribed by the same practitioner.
By October of 2005 my head hurt all the time. I took Fioricet everyday, all day, my behavior was wreckless; my drinking had increased, I was suicidal, mean, and my children were no longer my first priority. On Halloween of 2005 I drank so much that I didn?t even think about taking pictures of my 10 year old daughter in her costume. My baby, my last child that still trick-or-treats, and I blew it off. The next morning the guilt was completely overwhelming. I felt so guilty, and I was so hungover that I convinced myself that my family would be better off without me.
As I sat at my internet that morning, contemplating my fate, I began thinking about the Mom?s I had seen the week before on Dr. Phil. These were Mom?s who took a lot more drugs than I did, also for chronic pain. I went to the Florida Detox.com and read the website. Then I called them. I felt like the woman on the other end of the phone had reached out and hugged me. She listened to me cry, then try and put myself back together, enough to talk with her. We chatted for a long, long time. I admitted myself to their program right there and then.
A week later my husband, my Mom and I met in Florida to start my treatment. The very first thing we did was sit through a presentation on Brain Chemistry. I don?t think the average person knows how our brains work, I know I didn?t. I learned so much in those 2 hours. I was more convinced than ever I had done the right thing by coming to their program.
After the seminar, they started admitting some patients. My husband and I met with Dr. Sponaugle, talked about the plan and how my detox would work. All of a sudden, Dr. Sponaugle looked at me and noticed I was starting to withdraw from my meds. We cut the interview short and within the hour, I was in a hospital bed, with an IV and basically pain free.
My week went by quickly and every employee there was looking out for my needs.
I was lightly sedated, so some of it I don?t even remember. I do remember how nice everyone was. From the women who brought my meals, to the nurses who brought my meds, the nice volunteers who stopped in with a kind word and flowers, the chaplain who came by with a smile and a prayer, Dr. Sponaugle was there often to see how things were progressing, Brenda who sat with me determined to break that migraine! Even the woman who took my blood at dawn, knew in order to get my blood she needed to bring blankets! That was a long way to say I was never judged, only admired for the decision I made to turn my life around.
Since leaving Florida Detox 3 months ago, I have been working closely with Steve Sponaugle. Steve is DETERMINED to find the cause of my migraines, and to eliminate most if not all of them. I have had allergy testing done, at Steve?s suggestion. I am allergic to many every day items, and gasoline ? who would have thought of that?! These are things that are not ordinarily tested for. Since I have removed these items from my diet, or my lifestyle (I no longer pump my own gas) my headaches are down from 20 a month to 4 or 5. If I do get a migraine, I rarely am incapacitated with it, or need anything more than a couple of Tylenol for pain. Not one Dr. I saw in the last 15 years ever suggested allergy testing, hormone testing, or Thyroid testing. Their suggestions were always more drugs.
My new education about brain chemistry, medications, the preservatives in our foods, what we drink, what we touch, put in our hair, etc. has been worth it?s weight in gold. It not only helped me with my migraines, but my family is healthier because of what I have learned.
For the first time in 15 years, the quality of my life has gone from 10% to 90%. I can?t thank Florida Detox enough for giving me my life back. I am overwhelmed with the quality of my new life. I no longer take naps, I volunteer for activities at my children?s school, I am so productive, so happy, and so grateful.
When I returned to Florida Detox a month later for my follow up, I wanted to go up to every person in their waiting room and tell them ?you are making the right decision, you will never regret it, GO FOR IT!?.
I thank God every single day for Dr. Sponaugle and his staff for the work they do and the lives they change. You are always in my prayers.
Amy
Minneapolis, MN. --------------------------------------------------------------- |
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REDUCE NEED FOR SEDATING MEDICATIONS BY TREATING MIGRAINE CAUSE DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this article is to educate. This article does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for examination, testing, diagnosis and treatment, by a qualified, licensed health care professional.
Migraine headaches are caused by hidden food and chemical allergies, systemic fungal infections, Lymes Disease, Babesiosis, abnormal blood platelet clotting, hormonal imbalances, excess histamine, glutamate or phenylethylamine neurotransmitters, nutritional deficiencies, hypoglycemia and temporo mandibular (TMJ) joint pain. Murray and Pizzorno provide an excellent explanation of migraine causes and treatment in The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Rev., 2nd ed. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD also wrote an excellent discussion of migraine treatment, in Pain Free, 1-2-3. Dr. Teitelbaum also has some excellent information, about migraines at www.endfatigue.com
Hidden allergies exist in up to 85 percent of migraine sufferers. Usually multiple allergies are present, making elimination diets and tests confusing. Recently, serum immunoglobin Elisa/Act allergy testing has simplified detection of hidden allergies to foods, food additives, preservatives, pesticides, fungi, petroleum products, clothing materials,etc. One blood sample can be simultaneously tested for many different immediate and delayed allergic reactions. Most allergies are delayed, with symptoms occuring 3 to 4 days after exposure to the allergen. Elisa/Act testing can detect these delayed Immunoglobin G and M allergic responses. Older skin tests only detected the immediate Immunoglobin E anaphylactic reactions, which are only a small fraction of allergies.
Systemic fungal overgrowth can also cause migraines. When extended or frequent courses of antibiotics are used for surgery, infections, acne or other reasons, beneficial acidophilus and bifidus bacteria in the intestines are frequently killed, unless cultured foods such as yogurt or miso are used. Probiotic supplements, from heath food stores may also be used to repopulate beneficial bacteria. These beneficial bacteria manufacture B vitamins and Vitamin K, in our intestines, in addition to increasing intestinal acidity. If these bacteria are killed, yeast which they compete against, begin reaching excessive levels, in the intestines. These microscopopic yeast can send tiny stalks called hyphae, between cells lining the intestine. The intestinal lining cells usually have almost no gap between them. If hyphae stalks split these cells farther apart, abnormal leakage of undigested protein into the blood stream can occur. Increased intestinal permeability or "leaky gut syndrome" can be detected with intestinal permeability urine samples. Undigested proteins leaking from the intestine, into the bloodstream are recognized as pathogens or invaders, by our white blood cells. Antigen-antibody complexes form, in our blood, when these undigested proteins leak excessively from our intestines. Inflammation also occurs when these antigen-antibody complexes form. Since this inflammation is occuring, in our blood, it can travel to any part of our body, including the brain, where it can cause migraine headaches.
If the fungal overgrowth can be killed and increased intestinal permeability repaired, migraine, sinusitis and joint pain can frequently be eliminated. Herbal and prescription anti-fungal treatments are both effective. Prescription and herbal antifungal treatment reduced migraine frequency from 15 disabling, excruciating headaches monthly to one headache monthly, in one of our patients.
Excess histamine levels cause vasodilation of brain arteries, increasing pressures, in the cranium. Red wines are especially high in histamines and must be avoided by many migraine sufferers. Excess histamine levels can be measured in neurotransmitter panels. Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and S Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) are all needed to break down histamines. One of our patients rapidly eliminated a headache, with 200 milligrams of SAMe. Studies reveal that Vitamin C, 1000 mg twice daily, can reduce histamine levels 38 percent. Sodium cromolyn stabilizes mast cells, reduces histamine release, and seldom causes side effects. One of our migraine patients reports sodium cromolyn eyedrops work better for her than the metered dose inhaler.
Abnormal blood platelet clumping is more common in migraine patients with heart murmurs or mitral valve prolapse. The neurotransmitter, Serotonin, regulates platelet clumping. Studies reveal migraine decreases of approximately 50 %, using 5 Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5 HTP), at 200 to 300 mg/day. The herbals, feverfew and butterbur have also reduced abnormal platelet clumping, approximately 50 %.
Menstrual migraines often occur when estrogen and progesterone levels both decrease, during menustration. We have reduced migraine frequency and intensity using oral micronized bioidentical progesterone. Progesterone is anticarcinogenic and increases bone density, while it reduces anxiety. It is well tolerated by patients with severe allergies.
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can also trigger migraine headaches. Frequently Chromium Picolinate and Zinc Picolinate supplementation can reduce the severity of hypoglycemia.
Neurotoxins produced by molds, fungi, Lymes spirochetes, Bartonella, Babesia, and other biologic parasites can also cause migraines. Frequently, the inexpensive Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test, (VCST), available on the internet, at www.chronicneurotoxins.com, for about $15.00, can detect neurotoxicity. If neurotoxicity is detected, with the VCST, neurotoxins can be bound and eliminated with prescription cholestyramine. Florida Detox has successfully used cholestyramine to eliminate a migraine headache, which had already occured, in a patient, who had failed the VCST test. The neurotoxic female migraine patient has remained migraine free, except for menstrual migraines. We are waiting for additional test results measuring clotting factors, Lymes Disease, etc, and genetic testing of her ability to clear mold and Lymes neurotoxins. Her alpha MSH and VIP hormones were low, consistent with neurotoxins.
One of our tranquilizer detox patients has reduced her migraine pain, at least 98 percent, with our guidance and testing. Many of our patients with migraine or headache pain have been able to reduce their pain, by treating causes, instead of symptoms. ------------------------------------------------------------------
NON ADDICTING INSOMNIA SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICATIONS
Insomnia affects up to thirty percent of the population. Unfortunately, benzodiazepine and barbituate tranquilizer dependency, often begin as insomnia treatment attempts. Newer, safer insomnia medications, including Ambien, and Lunesta have allowed many insomniacs to obtain relief, without risking chemical dependency. Some older medications, including Trazodone and Doxapin have also proven themselves effective for insomnia. Florida Detox uses prescription and nonprescription sleeping aids. We have successfully used the following non-prescription hormones and amino acids for insomnia. It is often helpful to rotate non prescription sleep aids after 3 or 4 nights, to prevent down-regulation of neurotransmitter receptors. Amino acids are best taken on an empty stomach.
NON PRESCRIPTION SLEEP AIDS
Melatonin
Melatonin is the sleep hormone and decreases with aging. Melatonin levels decrease approximately 50 percent by age 60. Decreased melatonin levels contribute to sleep disorders in older individuals, especially the elderly. Melatonin is an extremely safe supplement, tested at 6,000 milligram per day, in humans, with no adverse effect, except mild stomach discomfort. (Usual dose for insomnia is 3 to 5 milligram per day for 65 plus age group) Melatonin is a very powerful antioxidant and also improves thymus function, contributing to increased immunity. Melatonin sometimes works, when tryptophan and 5-HTP don’t work. If melatonin works for you, results usually occur the same evening it is taken. Liquid or sublingual tablets often work, when gelcaps, powder capsules or non sublingual tablets do not. Melatonin shortens sleep onset time, but seldom produces large increases in total sleep time.
Products which we know have decreased insomnia:
Nature’s Plus lipoceutical sublingual spray, 3 to 8 spray “shots”/ night $8-$12/ mo
Source Naturals Nutraspray Timed release Sublingual Melatonin
Glutamine
Glutamine is considered a semi essential amino acid, since it can usually be produced from other amino acids. Glutamine can indirectly increase GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), which is most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers including Valium, Ativan, Klonipin, Xanax barbiturates including Phenobarbitol, Seconal and Amytol , and newer imidazopyridines including Ambien, all increase receptivity of the GABA receptor. All of these prescription medications have at least some addiction potential, although it is much lower with Ambien.
Glutamine also acts as a reserve source of blood glucose and can improve sleep in hypoglycemics. Glutamine is more effective for anxious, racing thoughts which prevent sleep and can work the same night taken.
DOSAGE: 3 to 6 grams, 1 to 2 teaspoons, powdered drink mix at bed time, on empty stomach or with fruit juice. Glutamine has a slightly sweet taste. Powdered drink mix is available in 1 pound or 1 kilogram plastic jars, can be mixed with water and does not taste bitter or sour, $12 to 25/ mo
Rogers and Pelton, (1957) found glutamine supplementation reduced anxiety and improved sleep, in a 6 week double blind crossover trial, with 7 men and 3 women. During the crossover phase of the study, only 2 or 3 subjects responded to the lactose placebo. The glutamine dosage used in the study was 200 milligrams, taken 5 times per day, or 1000 milligrams per day. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid, in the human body and the body contains approximately 100,000 milligrams of glutamine. Glutamine can be transformed into blood glucose and blood glucose is the only fuel of the brain, which uses at least 20% of the body’s energy and requires a constant supply of blood glucose. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, when glutamine is not metabolized to supply blood glucose, glutamine increases protein production and release of human growth hormone. NATURAL FACTORS PHARMA GABA, 100 MILLIGRAM TABLET, This is the only GABA supplement which Florida Detox recommends, since it seems to be the only one which can cross the blood brain barrier consistently. The chewable citrus flavored tablet is well accepted by finicky patients and has produced dramatic anxiety increases in some Florida Detox patients.Generally, GABA does not cross the blood brain barrier, in amounts adequate to impact anxiety or sleep. GABA is produced in the brain, from glutamate. NATURAL FACTORS THEANINE, 200 MILLIGRAM TABLET, Theanine increases relaxing alpha rythyms, partially blocks the AMPA glutamate receptor and counteracts excess norepinephrine. This citrus flavored tablet allows patients who are weary of swallowing dozens of capsules to ingest theanine levels adequate to reduce anxiety and insomnia.
DL Phenylalanine
DL phenylalanine, is a mixture of dextro phenylalanine and levo phenylalanine. Levo phenylalanine is one of the eight essential amino acids, which the body needs, but can not produce. It is a component of leucine and methionine enkephalins, which are simple pentapeptides (molecules containing 5 amino acids). The anesthetic (pain killing) effect of the enkephalins is over 100 times more powerful than morphine. Unfortunately, the addictive potential of enkephalins is also over 100 times more powerful than morphine. Dextro phenylalanine is not required by the body, but transforms to an enkephalinase inhibitor, which slows metabolism or breakdown of enkephalins. Enkephalinase inhibition does not appear to increase addiction potential. Since enkephalins also decrease anxiety, D phenylalanine supplementation can increase sleep, by reducing anxiety. Enkephalinase inhibition will not improve sleep, if you are medicated with the opiate blockers Naltrexone or Naloxone. Phenylalanine can raise blood pressure, in some individuals. DOSAGE: DL Phenylalanine dosage should range from 500 to 3000 milligrams per day. Since Phenylalanine must compete with at least four other amino acids to cross the blood brain barrier, it should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably sublingual (under the tongue). DL Phenylalanine is available as 500 milligram powder capsules, at health food stores. It can be ordered as a loose powder, in 300 gram bottles, on the internet. D Phenylalanine is difficult to find, even on the internet. It may be ordered at beautynhealth.com/fth/fth002.html
Magnesium Taurate
Magnesium Taurate can also reduce anxiety. (Ikeda H, 1977) reports taurine is a nonessential amino acid which has reduced severity of alcohol withdrawal tremors by about two thirds. Taurine effectively reduces anxiety and is inexpensive, but produces large volumes of sulfurous gas, which can be very unpleasant.
CAMPRAL (ACAMPROSATE) is diacetylhomotaurinate, a prescription medication approved for treatment of anxiety, during early alcohol abstinence. Magnesium Taurate can reduce anxiety, without the expense of CAMPRAL or the unpleasant sulfurous gas, which taurine usually produces. Our patients often experience decreased anxiety, beginning the same day they begin using Magnesium Taurate.
DOSAGE: 400 to 1200 milligrams per day or higher; Magnesium can have a laxative effect. Dosage of Magnesium is bowel tolerance level. Spread doses 4 to 6 hours apart. (To determine bowel tolerance, increase dosage from 400 milligrams, upward till stool begins to loosen, then decrease dosage, till stool is firm. This is the dose you should use. Many of our patients can ingest 800 – 1200 milligrams, daily) Magnesium Taurate can be difficult to find at health food stores and is probably easier to order on the internet, from familypharmacy.net/shopping.htm, myvitanet or totaldiscountvitamins.com
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is the generic name for the over the counter medication commonly called by the original brand name Benedryl. This antihistamine increases drowsiness and has relatively few side effects. It can aggravate dry eye syndrome and the following warnings are listed at the rxlist.com website:Antihistamines should be used with considerable caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder-neck obstruction.
A 25 milligram dose is often adequate, and a 50 milligram dose is safe for most people.
PRESCRIPTION SLEEP AIDS
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant which decreases calcium firing of excitatory neurotransmitter receptors. Structurally, Gabapentin consists of a GABA molecule, with a pentyl ring attached to it. Gabapentin is eliminated in the urine and can be used, when liver damage is present, since the liver is not required to metabolize it. Gabapentin is off patent and available as a less expensive generic medication now. Gabapentin half life is 5 to 7 hours.
DOSAGE: Gabapentin dosages for sleep range from 100 to 900 milligrams. Common capsule sizes are 100 and 300 milligrams.
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Trazodone is available generically and has proven an effective sleep medication for many of our patients, although it was originally produced as an antidepressant. It can increase levels of digoxin and phenytoin and should be avoided, when a history of cardiac irregularities exists. The half life is approximately 9 hours. It is available in 50 and 100 milligram doses.
Lexapro (Excitalopram)
Lexapro is the most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and appears to have fewer side effects then other SSRIs. Some Florida Detox patients have succeeded in sleeping, with Lexapro, when Ambien and other insomnia medications did not work. Lexapro has a half life of approximately 27-32 hours. It is available in 5, 10 and 20 mg tablets.
Zolipdem (Ambien)
Zolipdem is a prescription medicine, which appears to have much less addiction potential, than other sleep medications. Jacob Teitelbaum,MD in Pain Free 1-2-3!, cites the Fibromyalgia Network, April 2004 newsletter, p 6-7, describing a 2 year study of 4000 patients showing no significant problems with this medication. Florida Detox has encountered some patients who were addicted to Zolipdem, although it is a rare addiction. Ambien CR is a timed release dosage which usually lasts about 7 hours.
DOSAGE: Zolipdem is available as 5 and 10 milligram tablets and 6.5 and 12.5 milligram CR (time release) It has a short half life and usually provides only about 3- 4 hours sleep, per dose. Some of our patients report Ambien CR provides up to 7 hours sleep duration.
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Eszopiclone has been available for 7 years in Europe and was recently approved for long term use, after 6 month clinical trials, in the United States. Clinical trials indicated no alterations in sleep stages. Test subjects medicated with Lunesta, actually scored higher on the Digit Symbol subtest of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale, after using Lunesta, indicating Lunesta not only did not impair memory, but improved mental performance. Lunesta has worked for at least one patient when benzodiazepines, Trazodone and Ambien did not. Lunesta usually provides 7 to 8 hours sleep. Some patients have discontinued Lunesta due to an unpleasant taste remaining the next day. Lunesta is available in 1, 2, and 3 milligram tablets. One milligram tablets are mainly used for elderly patients. Additional Lunesta information, including graphs depicting decreased sleep onset time and increased total sleep time are available at http://www.medscape.com/pages/sites/infosite/lunesta/article-rapidSeroquel(Quetiapine)
Seroquel is especially effective when background noise interferes with sleep. Seroquel is a newer atypical antipsychotic, which increased total sleep time, sleep efficiency and stage 2 sleep, in a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized crossover study, of 14 healthy male volunteers. (Cohrs, S., t. al.,2004) Seroquel half life is about 6 hours, but patients often feel lethargic, 12 hours after using Seroquel.
References
Cohrs S, Rodenbeck A, Guan Z, Pohlmann K, Jordan W, Meier A, Ruther E., Sleep-promoting properties of quetiapine in healthy subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2004 Jul;174(3):421-9. Epub 2004 Mar 17.
(Ikeda H, 1977) Effects of taurine on alcohol withdrawal. Letter. Lancet ii:509, 1977).
(Rogers LL, Pelton RB. 1957) Glutamine in the treatment of alcoholism. Q J Stud Alcohol 18(4):581-7)
(Teitelbaum, J, 2005) Pain Free 1-2-3! Deva Press, Anapapolis, MD
Disclaimer
This information is not considered to be medical advice or diagnosis. If high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, liver disease, diabetes, renal disease, hemophilia or other medical complications exist, a physician should be consulted. These statements have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. ------------------------------------------------------------------- RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME CAN OFTEN BE TREATED NUTRITIONALLY DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this article is to educate. This article does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for examination, testing, diagnosis and treatment, by a qualified, licensed health care professional.
Many restless leg syndromes result from deficient iron levels in the brain. An iron dependent enzyme, tyrosine hydoxylase, converts the tyrosine amino acid to leva dopa (l dopa). Leva dopa is converted to the neurotransmitter dopamine, by the dopamine decarboxylase enzyme. If brain iron levels are inadequate, dopamine neurotransmitter deficiency can occur. Although patients suffering from restless leg syndrome may not test as anemic, ferritin levels decrease as restless leg syndrome severity increases. Many restless leg syndromes are treatable with megadoses of folate (folic acid, which is Vitamin B9), while others require large doses of iron. We have found low ferritin, transferrin and iron levels in some of our chemical dependency patients, who suffer from restless leg syndrome. We have succeeded in eliminating restless leg syndrome, in some of our male and female patients, using folate megadoses or ferrous bis-glycinate supplementation.
If ferritin and iron level increases do not eliminate restless leg syndrome, dopamine enhancement with tyrosine, l phenylalanine, micuna, deprenyl, sinemet, adderall or requip may be helpful.
If excess glutamate or aspartate excitation are contributing to restless leg syndrome, Magnesium Taurate, Campral, Namenda, Gabapentin, Depakote or Topamax can be useful. Neurotransmitter profiling aids our diagnosis, at Florida Detox.
Some of our patients suffering from restless leg syndrome became chemically dependent on opiates or benzodiazepine tranquilizers, although their restless leg syndrome could have been treated nutritionally with Vitamin B9 (folate) or iron supplementation. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION PROSECUTING INTERNET CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SALES Obtaining pharmaceutical medications over the internet, without establishing an actual doctor- patient relationship, including a physical examination is illegal. Although many patients obtain pain killers and tranquilizers, on the internet, increased law enforcement investigations increase risks of obtaining controlled substances, via the internet.
Karen P. Tandy
Operation Cyber X Press Conference
Dallas, Texas
September 21, 2005
You’ve most likely been spammed by them. Websites advertising a full medicine cabinet of drugs with no prescriptions needed, no waiting, and no hassle. It sounds too good to be true—and it is.
What these rogue websites peddle is illegal. And today, with Operation Cyber X we show the website operators for what they truly are: a new kind of drug kingpin—operating not from jungle hideaways but from behind computer monitors in their mansions. From suburbia, these e-trafficker kingpins command multimillion dollar nationwide pill empires. Today, we are moving against them in force.
Law enforcement joined together in a 15-month Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation. Today, we arrested 13 Internet drug dealers here in the Dallas area and 5 in Florida. We arrested the ringleaders and suspended the registrations of 20 doctors and 22 pharmacies.
What is significant about Operation Cyber X is not the number of arrests and suspensions—but the fact that this is the largest Internet pharmacy investigation targeting U.S. based e-traffickers.
To give you a sense of the expanse of this criminal enterprise…the defendants:
• Bought $1 million worth of controlled substances each month,
• Handled 15,000 customers each week, and
• Filled 3,000 orders for controlled substances each day.
DEA and IRS logged 2 and a quarter million Internet sessions during the course of the investigation to track the narcotic sales by these defendants. Operation Cyber X is the domestic bookend to last spring’s Operation Cyber Chase where we targeted international Internet drug traffickers operating in the U.S.
The 18 people arrested today owned, operated, or were affiliated with an astonishing 4,600 rogue pharmacy websites. A simple search linked to many of these sites. The sites sold Schedule 3 and 4 controlled substances. Among the drugs they offered were narcotic painkillers, tranquilizers, and stimulants. Once orders were placed—and almost 1 million were processed and mailed during the course of the 15-month investigation—they were rubber-stamped by unscrupulous doctors and processed at pharmacies owned by these operations . . .
These websites are fueling prescription drug abuse, which is at an all-time high, and exceeds all other drug abuse except marijuana. Almost 1 out of every 10 high school seniors has abused prescription drugs. Last year, 12,000 new users a day were abusing prescription drugs—and their average age was 23.
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