Archive for October, 2009

Marijuana (Cannabis) and Cystic Fibrosis; A Case Study

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on October 24th, 2009

Just yesterday I evaluated a 19 year old male patient who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.   He and his mother came in to see me because he had used cannabis in the past to specifically treat the heart burn and joint pain that he suffered on a daily basis.   In addition he claimed that when he inhaled cannabis into his lungs using a vaporizer it helped to clear out some of the mucus that patients develop on a regular basis.   He wanted to see if becoming a medical marijuana patient was possible.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that effects 1/4000 newborns in the United States.   The main defect in patients with cystic fibrosis is in a protein that regulates chloride transport across the cell membrane.   The result is that CF patients produce large amounts of mucus in the lungs and pancreas leading to difficulty breathing and poor digestion.  It is typically diagnosed when newborns fail to grow properly or when children have breathing difficulties early on in life.  The average life expectancy is 38 years.

This 19 y/o patient uses numerous medications to loosen the mucus secretions in his airways.   At the time of my evaluation he was being treated for active tuberculosis which is not uncommon in patients with CF.  Because of the thickened mucus in his airways, bacteria typically can grow without an appropriate immune response.    All of these medications that he was taking was causing nausea, GERD, lack of appetite and joint pain.  For his pain he was prescribed oxycontin and given trazodone to help him sleep. His mother was concerned about the high addictive properties in opiate narcotics and wanted her son off them.

Cannabis was an excellent supplement to his medication regimen.  He will be able to stop taking oxycontin for pain.   He will be able to eliminate the trazodone for sleep.  In addition his appetite will certainly improve and his GERD symptoms should be reduced greatly.  As his mother explained to me in my office, “when he uses cannabis his quality of life improves.”   If that is the goldstandard for prescribing a medication then certainly this is a case where you can easily make an argument for medical cannabis.

If you would like to visit with Dr. Breen to see if cannabis can help you with your illness simply visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com and pre-qualify for free online.   Or call 877-721-0047.  We have clinic locations in Encinitas, Long Beach and Irvine.

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Alternative Treatments for Graves Disease; Marijuana (Cannabis)

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on October 22nd, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I see a few patients every month who present with the diagnosis of Graves Disease.   Graves Disease is caused by an overactive thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism) and can cause a great variety of symptoms.  Many of these symptoms can be easily treated with cannabis.

The thyroid gland is located on either side of the adams apple in patients and can be easily felt on physical exam.   It’s main function is regulate the overall metabolism of the body.  It also plays a role in calcium metabolism.   There are many clinical symptoms associated with an over active or under active thyroid gland.  The most common symptoms are weight loss, fatigue, rapid heart rate, muscle weakness and protruding eyes (exophthalmos).  However many patients can also experience anxiety, headaches, excessive sweating, irritability, decreased concentration, insomnia and a multitude of other symptoms.

Today my patient was a 38 year old make who presented with the diagnosis of graves disease.  He experiences insomnia, frequent headaches and lack of appetite.   On exam he suffered from protruding eyeballs which is common in patients with hyperthyroidism.     He had been using cannabis for the past three months to help with the headaches pain and assist with sleep.  At night time he would vaporize with an indica kush strain and during the day he used a sativa to help with his appetite.  He stated the cannabis has greatly improved the quality of his life.   He received a written recommendation by me to medicate legally with cannabis and was able to go and purchase medicine today!

Traditional medical treatments for Graves disease are 1. Anti-thyroid medication designed to chemically slow down the production of thyroid hormone 2. Radioactive iodine which “kills” the overactive thyroid cells and 3. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland itself.

To see if you can benefit from the use of cannabis please feel free to visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com where you can pre-qualify for the medical marijuana card privately from your home.   Dr. Sean Breen evaluates patients M-F at his three offices in Irvine, Long Beach and Encinitas.  Toll free number is 877-721-0047

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Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Marijuana (Cannabis); An Alternative treatment approach

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on October 21st, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I have taken care of patients who have been diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).  Cannabis is an incredible treatment for patients who suffer from this disorder.  CVS is characterized by recurring episodes of severe nausea and vomiting which last from hours to days.  Patients typically have periods of weeks to months without an episode and then can have episodes unexpectedly.  It typically starts in children ages 3-7 and remits in early adulthood however it can persist throughout a patients life.   The medical community is unclear as to what the cause is but they seem to think to genetics on the maternal side.  Many times patients also experience migraine headaches.   This disorder can be very debilitating and lead to hospitalization if a patient becomes severely dehydrated as a result of vomiting or develops an imbalance in their electrolytes (ie. Sodium)  Typical treatments are anti-emetics (Zofran/Compazine etc), IV fluids and rest.

What I have found from evaluating patients with CVS is that they seem to do extremely well with cannabis.   Their episodes of vomiting are less frequent.  When they experience nausea and vomiting it is less intense and their appetites are greatly improved.   Many times patients will medicate with cannabis on a regular basis to keep episodes from occurring (prophylactic treatment).  Once a patient identifies the triggers for his/her vomiting they can time when they medicate.

Cannabinoids (medically active ingredient in the cannabis plant) have incredible anti-emetic(vomiting) properties.  The FDA has approved a drug called marinol which is THC (tetrahydrocannibinol) in the pill form.   THC is only one of over 70 cannabinoids that exert their effect.  The plant has all of these additional cannabinoids which make it the ideal treatment for CVS.   It is easily tolerated and does not cause any harm to the major organ systems.   It is also an incredible appetite stimulant.  Ironically this is one of the side effects of using cannabis.

If you suffer from CVS and would like more information to see if cannabis can help you reduce your episodes of CVS please visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com and pre-qualify for free online.  Dr. Sean Breen has offices in Long Beach, Irvine and Encinitas.  877-721-0047

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Treating Diabetes, Diabetic Neuropathy and Gastroparesis with Marijauna (Cannabis)

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on October 21st, 2009

Just yesterday I had a 39 year old male with diabetes come into my office for a cannabis evaluation with the complaint of gastroparesis as a result of his diabetes.   Gastroparesis is also called delayed gastric emptying and is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents into the small intestine.  It is a result when the nerves that control the stomach or damaged or stop working.     When blood sugars remain high for long periods of time the nerves themselves can be damaged.  In this case it is the Vagus nerve which controls the flow of food throughout the digestive tract.   His symptoms were heartburn, nausea and vomiting, abdominal bloating and cramping and lack of appetite.

The main treatment to alleviate symptoms is to get blood sugar levels normalized so that the nerves and arteries can repair themselves.   However this does not cure the gastroparesis and many times symptoms remain for long periods of time.   In this case this patient has been symptomatic for the past 10 years.   In addition to getting his blood sugars under control, his primary care physician has prescribed typical medications for his reflux (protonix) , medications to control his nausea and also a sleeping pill to help him sleep at night.

About three months ago he was having a severe episode of nausea and abdominal cramping while at a friends house.  His friend happened to be a medical cannabis patient and convinced him to give it a try.  What he told me was very encouraging.  His nausea almost completely went away, his stomach was no longer cramping and he actually developed a solid appetite.   He has continued to use cannabis with incredible results.   He no longer takes his protonix and has been eating every day without nausea.

The great thing about medicating with cannabis is that it is non toxic to any of the major organ systems and is tolerated very well.   Its active ingredients bind to receptors throughout the bodies nervous and immune systems and produce their physiological effects:  anti-inflammatory, analgesia (reduces pain), anti-emetic (reduces nausea and vomiting), sedation (induces sleep), anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), antispasmodic (reduces muscle spasm), reduces intra-ocular pressures in addition to many more.  If you suffer from any gastrointestinal symptoms you may want to consider trying cannabis.

To become a legal patient please visit my website at www.MCSoCal.com and pre-qualify for free directly online.   Our offices are located in Irvine, Long Beach and Encinitas.

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Treating Arthritis With Marijuana (Cannabis)

Posted By admin on October 19th, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients who suffer from arthritis.   Many patients are unaware of the significant anti-inflammatory properties that cannabinoids (the medically active ingredients in the plant) have.    Arthritis (inflammation and an overall degradation of the joint) can be secondary to an old injury or as a result of aging.  This joint pain often causes daily pain and also many of my patients have difficulty sleeping at night as a result of “not being able to get comfortable.”

For patients who are unaware of cannabis and its effects on decreasing pain and inflammation this is a very exciting discovery.   In the mid 1980’s scientist discovered that the human body contains two specific types of receptors which cannabinoids bind to in the body.   They are primary located in the nervous and immune systems.  As a result of medicating with the plant patients almost feel an immediately relief of their pain and joints become inflamed.

The reason why I think patients should give cannabis serious consideration is because it is very safe when compared to many of the NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as motrin and tylenol.  NSAIDS can cause ulcerations in the lining of the digestive tract and as a result many patients have developed bleeding which can potentially be life threatening.   Tylenol can also be very toxic to your liver.    Cannabis does not have a negative affect on any of the major organ systems (if vaporized)  and is easily tolerated.    Typically patients can vaporize a small amount prior to going to bed and they end up getting a very restful sleep and wake up feeling much more rested and pain free.

For more information on cannabis and how it can help you please visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com  Dr. Sean Breen specializes in discussing the benefits and risks of medicating with cannabis with patients.  His offices are located in Long Beach, Irvine and Encinitas.

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Alternative Treatments for Crohn’s Disease; Marijuana (Cannabis)

Posted By admin on October 15th, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  Let me discuss a case that I had yesterday.

A 34 y/o female presented with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease c/o frequent abdominal cramping, loose stools and a lack of appetite.  She was diagnosed in her late teens and has been suffering for many years.   She came to me in desperation because none of the treatments her gastroenterologist has recommended have been effective.   She was placed on prednisone for 10 years and “went insane”.  In addition  she experienced severe edema (water retention) which made “me puff up like a baloon”.  She could not tolerate methotrexate (which is a immune modulator) during periods of remission.   In addition she also has chronic intermittent knee and elbow pain which is common with patients with Crohn’s disease.

She said she made an appointment to come into my office because her father in law was a medical cannabis patient and had her try some of his medication during an episode with severe nausea and abdominal cramping.   Her response was “amazing”.  She stated it almost instantly alleviated her abdominal cramping and her nausea vanished. She was so encouraged by the results that she decided to give it a try a few more times with consistent results.  The great thing about it sas that it also improved her appetite and helped her sleep.

Crohn’s disease is a disorder where the bodies immune system attacks the cells on the lining of the intestinal tract causing ulcers.   It typically occurs in the teens and 20’s and then has a increase in recurrence in patients in their 50-70’s.  It is characterized by severe nausea, abdominal cramping and loose stools (bloody or watery).  Because it is an immune disorder it can also attack the joints causing joint pain, the skin causing various skin lesions and the eyes.   There is no treatment that can cure crohn’s disease so doctors focus on treating the patients symptoms.  Typically anti-inflammatory medications are given including corticosteroids.  Immune modulators like methotrexate are often given during periods of remission.   If serious complications occur (bowel narrowing, fistuals or full thickness ulceration) sometimes surgery is necessary.

Cannabis is a great alternative and complimentary treatment for patients with crohn’s disease.  It has shown to eliminate nausea, reduce abdominal cramping and also increase patients appetites.  It can also reduce the amount of loose stools patients suffer from during the day.   The great thing is that it is very well tolerated and has minimal side effects.  it is not toxic to any of the major organ systems and if vaporized (vs smoked) it does not affect a patients lungs.  It is certainly worth trying for patients who suffer with this terribly debilitating disease.

For more information please visit our website at www.mcsocal.com and pre-qualify for free online from the comfort of your home.  We have clinic locations in Long Beach, Irvine and Encinitas (San Diego)

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Alternative treatment for perimenopause; Marijuana (Cannabis)

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on October 15th, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I frequently evaluate women who suffer from the symptoms of perimenopause.   Fortunately cannabis can be a great alternative treatment for many of the symptoms women experience during this time.    As women age they begin to experience hormonal changes which is the bodies natural result of transitioning from a fertile child bearing state to the end of her reproductive years.   This period of time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause.  The onset of perimenopause typically occurs around 40 years of age but can happen sooner or later depending on that womens specific genetics and physiology.  Symptoms are a result of fluctuating levels of estrogen and ultimately LH and FSH(luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone).

The typical symptoms that my patients complain of are insomnia (or a break from their normal sleeping patterns), irritability, headaches, nightsweats, hot flashes, decrease libido, vaginal dryness and overall emotional instability.   When many of these patients visit their primary care physicians they are offered a myriad of drugs to treat these symptoms.  For there headaches they are told to take NSAIDS such as motrin.  For there difficulty sleeping they are given drugs like ambien and lunestra.  For their emotional instability they are prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs such as lexapro and xanax.     In the end they are left with 4 or 5 different medications to take that have their own set of side effects that patients have to deal with.   Most of my patients get fed up and are “tired of taking so many pills.”  They are looking for a more natural approach to treat their symptoms.

The great news is that cannabis can alleviate many of the symptoms that perimenopausal women experience.   It is a great sedative and helps patients sleep through the night.  It can relieve the pain associated with headaches.   In addition, it functions as an anxiolytic and helps relax and calm patients after a long day.    Lastly, many strains of cannabis can increase a patients libido and enhance their sexual experiences with their partners.   The advantage I believe that cannabis has over many of these drugs is that the medically active ingredients found in the plant (collectively called cannabinoids) have few intolerable side effects.   Once they enter the bloodstream they bind to receptors throughout our nervous and immune systems and produce their physiological effects.   Within minutes patients feel relaxed and euphoric.  Many times the pain subsides immediately.    Because there has not been one documented overdose from cannabis use it is very safe and patients don’t have to worry about using too much.   I tell all of my patients that it is definitely worth a try.  ”if it helps and improves your quality of life, then great!  If not, simply stop using it.” The good news is that it is not toxic to any of your major organ systems and is not chemically addicting.   So there is little risk in giving it a try.

If you are worried about having to smoke it please see my website and read about the benefits of vaporizing cannabis (smoke free!).   If you would like more information please visit my website at www.MCSoCal.com or call 877-721-0047 and schedule an appointment.  You can also pre-qualify for free online from the comfort of your own home.   We have office locations in Long Beach, Irvine and Encinitas (San Diego)

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Limiting Risks Associated with Marijuana (Cannabis) Use

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on October 5th, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I evaluate the benefits and risks of using cannabis (marijuana) with patients every day.   Interesting many patients are not aware that there are risks associated with using cannabis.  I often her people quoting statistics that show “there has never been a documented overdose from cannabis” and use that as the gold standard for qualifying it’s safety profile.  Although that happens to be a fact “there has not been one documented overdose from cannabis” I think that there is some naivety in that statement.  Here are some things to consider.

1.  Because cannabis is psychoactive, meaning it affects a patients judgement, balance, perception, coordination and cognitive functions like concentration and short term memory, there are risks inherently associated with its use.  For example, elderly patients who use cannabis have to be extremely careful when using cannabis.  They can lose their balance, fall and fracture their hip or other bones.  Patients who use cannabis and drive are more susceptible to accidents.  I often tell my patients “‘just because no one has overdosed doesn’t mean you can’t lose you balance and fall down a flight of stairs and break your neck.”  So that is the first and most important risk associated with using cannabis.  That risk can be reduced by taking basic safety precautions.

2. Cannabis can speed up your heart rate (medically termed tachycardia).  Have you ever used cannabis and felt like your heart was racing?  If so it is because cannabis has what is referred to as anti-cholinergic affects on the body and can seep up your heart rate.   This is a concern if patients have had a significant cardiac history such as a heart attack or stroke.    I always ask my patients that have cardiac histories if they currently exercise at all.  If so then the risk is limited, but certainly something to consider.

3.  Cannabis should not be used with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol and benzodiazepines such as Xanax/Valium and because of the increased risks associated with compounding the psychoactive effects of the medication.

4. If you speak with addiction specialists who treat patients who have been using cannabis chronically for long periods of time they often describe a syndrome where patients lack motivation and have a general apathetic mood.  This is certainly concerning if people are truly not reaching the full potential of what God intended for them.

Overall, cannabis is a much safer drug then the majority of medications that patients take for pain, anxiety, sleep etc. but I just wanted to share some of what I think are the real risks associated with its use.

If you would like more information on the medicinal use of cannabis please feel free to visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com  You can pre-qualify for free online from the comfort of your home.  Our clinics are located in Encinitas, Irvine and Long Beach.   877-721-0047

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