Medications and Amino Acid Therapy

by | Jan 17, 2018 | Amino Acid Therapy, Neurotransmitters, Parkinson's Disease, Symptoms of Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Many people are on medications that alter, mimic or in some way manipulate neurotransmitter levels in the body. These include stimulants, such as amphetamines (i.e., methamphetamine, “speed”, Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine), ecstasy (MDMA), cocaine, and methylphenidate (i.e., Ritalin, Concerta); norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (i.e., Strattera, Edronax); norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (i.e., Wellbutrin, Zyman); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (i.e., Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro and Luvox); triptans (i.e., Imitrex, Maxalt, Amerge, Zomig); sleep aids (i.e., Ambien, Lunesta); barbiturates (i.e., phenobarbital, Fioricet); benzodiazepines (i.e., Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Lorazepam); MAO inhibitors (i.e., Azilect, selegiline, Nardil, Morplan); COMT inhibitors (i.e., Comtan, Tasmar); and carbidopa/levodopa (i.e., Sinamet, Rytary, Stalevo). While these medications may exacerbate or cause neurotransmitter imbalances in the body, most can be safely used along with amino acid therapy to achieve optimal neurotransmitter function. (more…)

How can I find a provider near me that uses amino acid therapy?

by | Dec 6, 2017 | Amino Acid Therapy, dopamine dominance, Neurotransmitters, Parkinson's Disease

We get requests everyday from people looking for a practitioner in their area that uses amino acid therapy. The best place to start is to contact NeuroResearch at www.neurosupport.com and ask them if there is anyone near you that has taken a training with Marty Hinz, MD in your area; they have the most complete list of providers in the country and should be able to find someone you can contact. (more…)

Proper DBS Test Preparation

by | Nov 8, 2017 | Amino Acid Therapy, dopamine dominance, Parkinson's Disease

We have now seen over one hundred clients that had previously been working with other providers for guidance using amino acid therapy. Many of these clients had previous DBS testing completed to help them determine how to optimize their neurotransmitter function. Unfortunately, they did not follow the correct preparation procedure to complete the test and got erroneous results, which then led to erroneous recommendations from their health care providers and sub-optimal resolution of their symptoms. (more…)

Dopamine Dominance – The Purpose of the Pill Stop

by | Oct 11, 2017 | Amino Acid Therapy, dopamine dominance, Parkinson's Disease

Once it has been determined that a person is dopamine dominant (via the successful completion of a dopamine challenge), the next step in optimizing neurotransmitter function is determining the amount of L-dopa needed (from standardized mucuna pruriens) to maximize symptom control. In order to do that, periodic adjustments are made to the mucuna dosing followed by a pill stop. Successfully completing a pill stop can provide valuable information on how to proceed; unfortunately, many people do pill stops incorrectly, which delays the optimization of their neurotransmitter function and symptom relief. (more…)