Posts Tagged ‘depression’

Medical Marijuana Patients In Irvine, CA July 27, 2010

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on July 28th, 2010

If you are wondering what types of patients come in to see me for a medical marijuana recommendation, here is a list of all the complaints for the patients I had in Irvine today.  Most patients are coming in because of pain.   They are typically tired of using opiates such as vicodin and oxycontin and want an alternative.   Many of my patients are women in their 50’s and 60’s who are willing to try anything to get relief.

61 year old white female who using cannabis for her restless legs syndrome.

34 year old white male who has a diagnosis of anxiety and depression.

61 year old white female who suffers from arthritis

55 year old white male who had surgery to repair C5-6-7 herniated discs following a motor vehicle accident

51 year old white female who is going through menopause.  She has symptoms of anxiety, hot flashes, insomnia and is easily irritated.

41 year old white make who had reconstructive surgery on his right ankle and suffers from arthritis.

27 year old white female who suffers from anxiety since the age of 17.  She uses cannabis instead of xanax.

25 year old white make who injured his C6-7 vertebra surfing.   He uses cannabis for pain management.

59 year old white female who has sciatica and chronic lower back pain.  She uses cannabis instead of oxycontin.

You would be very surprised by the typical patients that I see using cannabis for their symptoms.   I think the majority of people when they think of medical marijuana envision “teenagers getting stoned.”  That is not the case and quite the opposite.

If you are suffering and would like more information on whether or not cannabis can help you improve the quality of your life feel free to call our office at 877-721-0047 or contact us online at www.mcsocal.com

Be blessed,

Dr. Breen

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Medical Marijuana and Your Sex Life; SSRI’s for Depression and Anxiety

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on July 13th, 2010

Today I spoke with two female patients who were taking anti-depressants (SSRI’s) for depression and experiencing significant sexual side effects.   In both cases, their lack of libido and inability to orgasm were causing significant challenges in their relationships.   They came to me to use medical marijuana to help their depression and anxiety and also in turn repair their sex lives.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s- i.e Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro etc) are drugs commonly used to treat depression and anxiety.  They work by increasing the amounts of serotonin that build up and concentrate around nerve cells in the brain which in turn elevates patients moods.   They are THE most common drug to treat depression and anxiety.

One of the downsides to using these medications is that they can reduce a patients libido and also make orgasm very difficult.

My first patient was a 27 year old women who had been taking Lexapro for the past 12 months for her Social Anxiety.    She went on to tell me that she is engaged to her boyfriend of 7 years.  Over the past year her sex drive has been “non-existent” which has made her relationship very challenging.   Even though her fiance has been extremely supportive she told me she feels “inadequate”  because of this.   Her boyfriend decided to search out alternative therapies when he came upon my website and read about previous patients in similar situations.

SHE TOLD ME THAT FOR THE PAST MONTH SHE HAS BEEN MEDICATING WITH CANNABIS AND HER SEX LIFE HAS BEEN GREAT. In addition to having sex more she stated that she was less inhibited which even enhanced her sexual experience with her fiance.   Her plan is to continue to use the Lexapro and use cannabis to stimulate her sex life.

My second patient was a 44 year old women who came in with her husband of 13 years.  She had a very similar story although she had been taking lexapro for depression which she had “as long as I can remember.”   They also had two autistic sons ages 10 and 8 which made time for romance very difficult.    Although she initially felt apprehensive about using marijuana as a medicine those feeling quickly subsided as her sex life started to improve.   Her husband was definitely supportive as he said there marriage is “in a place that it hasn’t been in… in a long time.”

I tell every patient that comes into my office that there are benefits and risks to using every medication.  Cannabis is no different.   In these two examples both women had to weigh the benefits they were receiving from using Lexapro from the risks… which in this case were a decline in their sex life—-> leading to stress in their relationships.

The plan was simple.  If cannabis improved the quality of their lives and relationships then they would use it… if not no harm done.  Cannabis is relatively benign if used responsibly.


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Marijuana (Cannabis) as alternative treatment for menopause; Medical Marijuana Doctors

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on June 2nd, 2010

Today at my Irvine office I evaluated a 51 year old women who wanted an evaluation to see if medical marijuana could provide relief for some of the symptoms she has been experience as a result of menopause.   Specifically she had been suffering from severe hot flashes which caused secondary insomnia.   As a result of not being able to sleep well she was “always tired” during the day.  Her ob/gyn had tried prescribing paxil and ambien to help relieve her symptoms but the side effects were worse than what she was trying to relieve.    A few weeks back a friend of hers that had a medical marijuana card for chronic pain gave her some marijuana to try to improve her sleep.  The results “were amazing” she told me.

The first night she vaporized (inhaled smoke free) one pinch of a cannabis strain called OG Kush.  She described lying down and falling asleep almost immediately.  Prior to that she would “toss and turn” for a few hours before finally falling asleep.  She reported that she slept 8 hours for the first time in 2 years!   As a result she woke up feeling rested and was able to be more productive the next day.  She plans on using marijuana for the duration of her menopausal symptoms and is “so relieved” that she has a “more natural alternative.”

Menopause occurs because of decreasing estrogen levels in the womens body.   It typically occurs around the age of 51.   Many women experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness and nights sweats.   Many women also report feeling anxious or even depressed.   It can be a very difficult time for women as there reproductive organs “shut down” for good.   Typically doctos try giving their patients SSRI’s (antidepressants such as Paxil), Ambien to improve sleep and benzodiazepines to treat anxiety.   Hormone replacement therapy used to be the gold standard to reduce the typical symptoms but recent studies showed an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.

I see many women who get great results by using small amounts of cannabis in the evening to reduce their symptoms.  Because cannabis is such a benign medication (very little unwanted side effects) I believe that it is a great alternative to try.   It is not addictive, is not toxic to any major organ system and be used as often as necessary.  In addition if vaporized (vs smoked) there are no harmful side effects from smoke which limits most patients from even trying it.

If you are in menopause or would like more information on whether you could benefit from using cannabis feel free to make an appointment at 877-721-0047.  There is NO FEE if you do not qualify or decide not to use it.

Respectfully,

Dr. Breen

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Veterans and Medical Marijuana; A Special need

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on June 1st, 2010

As medical director of Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often meet patients who are combat veterans and are in need of help.   One of the blessings in my life was the opportunity to serve along side the Marines of 1st Battalion 4th Marines in Iraq from January-September 2003. I witnessed combat from the front lines and experienced the buffet of emotions that our troops go through on a daily basis.   Now that I am honorably discharged I can openly discuss the benefits of using cannabis to take care of:

1. The anxiety they experience.

2. The anger they may feel at times.

3. The depression, isolation and loneliness they feel.

4. The chronic pain that they are suffering from.

It is quite an honor and a privilege to be able to sit down with them and TRULY understand what they are going though.   Most of them need ongoing therapy which hopefully they get through the VA.  However instead of having to take oxycontin for pain, xanax for anxiety, ambien for insomnia and lexepro for depression they can simply try medicating with cannabis to regulate all of these symptoms.   I have had great success with many veterans over the past two years and really enjoy working with them.  They truly are the few and the proud.   They simply need help.

If you are a veteran and would like to discuss the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medicinal purposes feel free to make an appointment.  call 877-721-0047 or send me an email and I will answer your questions.

Semper fi,

Dr. Breen

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PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and Marijuana (Cannabis): An alternative treatment

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on April 26th, 2010

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate women who suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).  They often complain of headache, pelvic pain, breast pain, difficulty sleeping, bloating, irritability, anxiety, depression and an inability to concentrate.   Typically the standard treatment that their doctors prescribe do not work well enough and they would like to try cannabis.   I have seen amazing results with women who vaporize cannabis to treat their PMS.

Standard treatment for many of these women are SSRI’s (anti-depressants) to treat any of their mood symptoms (irritability, depression and anxiety), high dose NSAIDS (naprosyn/motrin) for pain, spirinolactone for edema, ambien for sleeping difficulties and occasionally other no pharmaceutical therapies (Calcium and Magnesium Supplements)  The problem is that these treatment modalities come with many unwanted side effects…. and/or do not provide adequate relief.   SSRI’s can cause apathy and affect patients sex drive.  NSAIDS can cause dangerous gastro-intestinal bleeding, ambien can be addicting and often makes patients extremely groggy upon awakening and spirinolactone can cause electrolyte disturbances.

Studies have shown that up to 75% of women suffer from PMS/PMDD on some level.  That is an enormous amount of people that are taking a lot of different medications that are not only ineffective but can be very dangerous if taken regularly.

Once patients understand how cannabis works in the body they are much more comfortable trying it for their PMS symptoms.  Cannabis can be extremely relaxing, elevate patients moods and assist with sleep.  (good bye SSRI and Ambien).  It is amazing at relieving pelvic pain and headaches (good bye NSAIDS) and can increase a patients libido.

What I tell my patients is that it is definitely worth giving it a try.  If it works…GREAT!  If not…. simply don’t use it.   In the meantime it is not going to damage your liver, kidneys or cause GI bleeding.  You can not overdose on it and there is an extremely low potential for physical or psychological addiction.

Lastly, you can easily avoid smoking it by using a vaporizer which allows you to inhale the medicine SMOKE FREE!

If you suffer from PMS/PMDD and would like to discuss using cannabis to treat your symptoms feel free to give us a call at 877-721-0047.  Or you can simply pre-qualify for FREE at www.mcsocal.com

Be blessed,

Dr. Breen


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Cannabis (Marijuana) and our Combat Veterans

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on April 6th, 2010

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I have many patients who are combat veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  Unfortunately the military has a ZERO tolerance towards any drug use and does not recognize cannabis as a medicine.   The majority of these patients have made the decision to use medicine for one of two things:

1. Chronic pain secondary to injuries sustained while on active duty.

2. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, Depression or Chronic Anxiety/Insomnia.

VA physicians are not allowed to discuss the use of cannabis with their patients.  However there are doctors like myself who are willing to discuss this treatment option.   I understand first hand what these men and women are going through.   I spent 9 months in 2003 with 1st battalion 4th marines in Iraq during the initial push of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

I have already discussed in previous blogs the advantages of using cannabis to treating chronic pain.   It also will help with sleep, anxiety and depression.  ONE THING I DO WANT TO STRESS IS THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT PATIENTS WHO SUFFER FROM PTSD, DEPRESSION AND CHRONIC ANXIETY RECEIVE ONGOING TREATMENT FROM THE THERAPIST OR PSYCHIATRIST!   Cannabis should not replace these other treatment modalities but merely compliment them.

If you are a veteran and would like to speak to a former military combat physician about the use of cannabis feel free to call me at 877-721-0047  I would be happy to speak with you.

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Marijuana (Cannabis) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on March 31st, 2010

Today in my Irvine clinic I had two patients who were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  One was unfortunately physically and verbally abused by her boss and the second was involved in a very traumatic car accident where he lost one of his best friends.   Both of these patients experienced a combination of difficulty sleeping, recurring nightmares, avoidance and depression.

The first step in their recovery process involved psychotherapy which both were receiving.  One of them had started group therapy as well.   These two treatment modalities are pretty standard for patients who suffer from PTSD.

At this point many of you reading this may be wondering why and how they ended up in my office?  The reason is because each was started on 4 medications and for one a 5th was added.   One stated that they “felt like a zombie” and the others emotions “were completely dulled”.   Here is the list of medications that they brought in.

1) Trazodone: is an anti-depressant which affects the serotonin levels in your brain: in these cases it was being used to assist with insomnia.

2) Ambien: is a drug used to induce sleep as well.  It works similar to benzodiazepines in that it binds to the GABA receptors in the brain.  Patients often are worried about the addiction potential and complain of feeling very groggy upon awakening with daytime drowsiness that can affect work performance.

3) Lorazepam (Ativan): is a drug used to treat acute anxiety and insomnia.  Is a benzodiazepine and affects the GABA receptors in the brain.  Patients often worry about its addiction potential and increasing tolerance and dependence.

4) Prozac (Fluoxetine): is a drug most commonly used to treat depression.  It affects the serotonin receptors in the brain.   Many patients complain about it’s side effects.  Specifically, it can affect a patients sex drive and sexual performance.

5) Seroquel (quetiapine): is a drug often used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  Often I have seen patients prescribed this to assist with insomnia as well.

The problem that these patients had with their psychiatrists treatment plan is the  amount of medications that they were taking throughout the day.  They literally felt like walking zombies; out of touch with their personal relationships.  They also experience unwanted side effects.  This is a very common theme that I hear from patients.

So where does cannabis come into play?  For one I think the goal is to get these patients off there medications used to treat the anxiety and insomnia.  For these patients the goal was to eliminate the need for the Ambien, Ativan and Trazodone IMMEDIATELY.

I encourage them to continue the prozac if it is helping with their mood.  As long as the side effects are not too bad I think this is a reasonable medication for them to stay on until the therapy allows them to cope without any medications.

Many times the goal for my patients is to substitute cannabis for one or more of the medications that they currently take.  Cannabis, if used appropriately, can replace many varieties of medication.  It can assist with falling asleep, decreasing anxiety, improving mood, stimulating appetite  and also decreasing patients use of other drugs such as alcohol.

I will follow up with them in a few weeks and blog about how they are doing. Stay tuned!

If you would like more information on seeing if cannabis can improve the quality of your life please feel free to call my staff and schedule an appointment to come in.  I would be happy to take care of you.

Visit us at www.mcsocal.com or call 877-721-0047

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