All of these medication are stimulants (amphetamines) and have very similar side effect profiles.  The most common reasons that patients with ADHD are seeking treatment with medical marijuana are … READ ON

…insomnia and decreased appetite.   These drugs work on the central nervous system by blocking the re-uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine (both sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitters).   Because they act to keep people hyper-vigilant and focused they come with a bunch of unwanted side effects.  The most commons side effects are:

1. Insomnia 2. Decreased Appetite 3. Dry Mouth 4. Nausea 5. Vomiting 6. Abdominal Pain 7. Diarrhea 8. Irritability 9. Headaches 10. dizziness 11. Anxiety

Listed are 11 common side effects which most patients do not want to deal with.  The problem is that these drugs are VERY effective at treating ADHD so most patients will experience significant improvement in productivity and ability to focus.   However they need help dealing with the side effects.

Today I had 3 patients coming in because of insomnia and poor appetite related to ADHD medications.  Medical marijuana is an outstanding option for the because 1. The correct strain of marijuana is very sedating and 2. Marijuana is an appetite stimulant.

Most patients only have to take one dose of an indica strain 30-60 minutes prior to going to bed.  They typically report falling asleep very quickly and also wake up feeling rested.  Contrast that to traditional sleeping pills like Ambien or Lunesta where patients wake up feeling extremely groggy.

In addition these patients feel like eating again.   Without proper nutrition no one is going to feel or be healthy.   Eating a well balanced diet is tantamount to feeling healthy.  I can not tell you how many patients skip breakfast and lunch because of these medications.   There is no way that they can live long healthy lives with dinner as their first meal of the day.

Physicians really need to pay attention to side effects of the medications they commonly prescribe.   Many times patients complaints are a direct result of drugs they have been prescribed.

If you have ADHD and are one of these medications and would like to explore using medical marijuana to combat the side effects feel free to give my office a call at 877-721-0047 or visit us online at www.mcsocal.com and pre-qualify for free.

Be blessed,

Dr. Breen

She has been treated with a medication called Requip for her symptoms but it causes debilitating headaches after 2 consecutive days of use so she is trying to stop it all together.

A month ago one of her friends let her try medical marijuana using a vaporizer to see if it helps and to quote her she said “It was the best night of sleep I have ever had in my life!” READ ON….

Restless Legs Syndrome is described as the urge to move your limbs as a result of sensations or even without sensations.  The symptoms are relieved with activity (movement) and are typically worse at rest and at night.   Sensations in the legs are described as ; uncomfortable, creepy, itching, tingling, painful, ants crawling on the skin, electrical, pins and needles, pulling, numbness.

Although the exact cause of Restless Legs Syndrome is not fully understood, scientists believe that it is related to low levels of dopamine and iron the brain (specifically the substancia nigra region)  60% of cases are familiar and there is believed to be an autosomal dominant inheritance.

Current medical treatment focuses on drugs that affect the dopamine levels in the body.  However these medications often have side effects that patients can not tolerate.  In this case my patient had debilitating headaches.

I HAVE SEEN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN PATIENTS USING MARIJUANA TO TREAT RLS!

This patients description of having “the best sleep in her life” is extremely encouraging.   I would imagine that because cannabis reduces muscle tone and spasms, induces relaxation and sedation and also reduces pain by binding to receptors on the nerves themselves… that the overall affect is positive in patients with RLS.

The great thing about this case is that my a patient can use cannabis every night for the rest of her life without the fear of becoming addicted, without having to worry about overdosing and without many of the side effects that patients experience using other medications.

THERE IS VERY LITTLE RISK IN GIVING THIS TREATMENT A TRY!

If you or someone you know is suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome and would like an evaluation by me personally feel free to contact my office at 877-721-0047.

Be blessed,

Dr. Breen

The patient started medicating with cannabis a year ago when I first evaluated him because his restless legs were making it very difficult to fall asleep.   As a result he was experiencing daytime fatigue  and it was really starting to affect his quality of life.   His mood suffered because he did not feel rested.  This spiraled into frequent arguments with his wife.   It truly was a major problem for him.

Secondly, the Mirapex commonly causes nausea, fatigue and lightheadedness.   This patient was experiencing from routine nausea as a result of his medication.

Cannabis was essential in his treatment plan.  It allowed him to fall asleep much faster than normal and also eliminated any nausea he experienced from taking his medication.  ”It has saved my life this past year” he said referring to his cannabis use.   His dosing schedule was to inhale using a vaporizer two doses of an indica strain called presidential kush.  He said that within 30 minutes he would fall asleep and wake up feeling rested.  His mood improved as did his relationship with his wife.

Cases like these are perfect examples of how cannabis can improve the quality of patients lives.  it is truly a benign drug when compared to other pharmaceuticals that doctors prescribe.  You can’t overdose on it and it does not effect your liver or kidneys like many other commonly prescribed medications.

If you suffer from restless leg syndrome and would like more information feel free to contact my office to schedule an appointment. I have offices located in Irvine and Long Beach California. Call 877-721-0047 or pre-qualify for free at www.mcsocal.com

Brian P is a 65 y/o man who came into my office with his wife of 35 years.  He is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease and was unable to speak and had the typical shuffling gait.  His wife informed me that he suffers terribly from restless legs syndrome.  His symptoms are typical; an strong urge to move his legs when lying down to go to bed that has prevented him from getting a solid nights sleep in many months.  The insomnia is starting to take a toll on his health as he has a difficult time functioning throughout the day without a good nights sleep.  His wife explained that they have tried everything that modern medicine has to offer; He has been on high dose Motrin, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Neurontin, Requip; has avoided any caffeine and alcohol, started walking more during the day, used heat and massage and “nothing has helped my husband.”

What brought them to my office was a result of a chance encounter with a friend of theirs who also suffered from restless legs.   He happened to treat his symptoms with cannabis (marijuana).  He told my patient that 30 minutes prior to going to bed he simply vaporized a pure cannabis indica strain.  The overall relaxation that cannabis provided in addition to the muscle relaxation had allowed him to sleep through the night.   My patient was encouraged and tried the same regimen that night and “it changed my husbands life.”  He finally fell asleep without difficulty and woke up feeling rested.    Since that time he has used cannabis when he has access to it but came in to see me so that he can get a medical cannabis recommendation and have safe access to medicine daily.   I am very hopeful that Brian’s symptoms will be reduced greatly and he can sleep well!

This story is not atypical in my practice.  Cannabis works very well for symptoms of restless legs because it causes a relaxation of the muscles and in addition affects the dopaminergic system in the brain just like many medications for restless legs.  The great thing about cannabis is that it has very few side effects, especially if not smoked.  It is not toxic to Brians major organs and he has ZERO chance of overdose.  Compared to opiate narcotics (like hydrocodone) cannabis is much safer and more effective.  I challenge any pain management doctor to put his arsenal of medications up against cannabis and see whose patients get a better result.

If you would like more information about medical cannabis and whether or not you can benefit please feel free to contact my clinic by calling 877-721-0047.   Our clinics are located in Irvine and Long Beach california.  www.mcsocal.com

Dr Sean Breen is committed to helping patients improve the quality of their lives by discussing the benefits and recommending the use of cannabis.  He can be reached by emailing drbreen@me.com