Posts Tagged ‘dopamine’

Alternative Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome; Marijuana (cannabis)

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on May 20th, 2010

Today in my Irvine office I had a follow up appointment with a 54 year old male who suffers from Restless Leg Syndrome.  He had been using a medication called Requip  (ropinirole) for the past 6 months without good results.  His doctor recently switched him to a new medication called Mirapex (pramipexole) which has not been effective either.   Both of those drugs work by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain (dopamine is a neurotransmitter).  They are drugs similar to those used to treat patients with parkinsons disease.

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

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Alternative Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome; Cannabis (Marijuana)

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on November 4th, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I have the opportunity to evaluate patients who present with the diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome.  Most of these patients come to me after having an incredible experience with cannabis to treat their symptoms.  The following is an actual patient I had in my office yesterday.

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

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