The use of amino acid therapy in the management of disorders associated with neurotransmitter dysfunction is remarkably devoid of side effects. Occasionally, people experience nausea or GI upset from improper timing of CysReplete, from severe neurotransmitter depletion or from carbohydrate intolerance. However, there is one very group of reactions that deserves some attention – a group that is called ‘paradoxical reactions’. (more…)
As most of you know, I do a lot of research. Recently, I came across a study that summarized clinical data for several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications used in the treatment of depression. The results were shocking.
SSRI medications don’t work for ~90% of people! (more…)
The following is a side effect profile developed from approximately 50 patient-years of data compiled from clinics all over the country by NeuroResearch Clinics, Inc. The following results were obtained from people taking only amino acids with no prescription drugs:
All other side effects were reported at a rate of less than 1 in 500 visits (0.02%). No irreversible side effects were noted.
Marty Hinz, MD, who has looked at over 1,000,000 patient days of treatment data since 1995 from over 500 clinics states that “amino acid precursors are safe when used with all drugs, including MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors.” However, since the simultaneous administration of amino acid precursors with prescription medications help the drugs to perform better, they can also cause the side effects of the prescription drugs to be displayed to a greater extent. Any side effect associated with the drug can be triggered. When drug side effects occur, it is necessary to manage the situation by working with your prescribing physician to help reduce the unwanted side effects; this generally entails decreasing or stopping the drug not the amino acids, as the amino acids are addressing the inherent underlying imbalance.
In regards to pregnancy, there is nothing in the literature indicating that the amino acid precursors or cofactors should cause any concern if they are certified for purity; however, there is nothing in the literature indicating studies have been performed indicating they are safe during pregnancy either. In light of this, it is recommended that amino acid precursors not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy without first consulting your doctor, although no studies indicate this is harmful to the mother or the fetus.
Amino acid therapy is incredibly safe and has no long term side effects. Marty Hinz, MD, who has looked at over 1,000,000 patient days of treatment data using amino acid therapy states that “amino acid precursors are safe when used with all drugs, including MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors.” The most common short term side effects associated with amino acid therapy are dry mouth (2.1%) and nausea (0.6%).
Amino acid therapy is often used in conjunction with prescription medications. If these medications work with neurotransmitters, simultaneous administration of amino acid therapy will help the drugs work better. However, as the body’s neurotransmitter function improves, the side effects of the medications can also become more pronounced. This is a signal that the body may no longer need the medication. The solution in this case is to consult with your prescribing physician to help reduce the unwanted side effects by reducing or eliminating the medication to allow the body to restore proper neurotransmitter function naturally.
We have worked with thousands of people all over the world for numerous conditions related to neurotransmitter imbalance(s). Many of these people are currently taking, or have taken one or more medications that alter or affect various neurotransmitters, which can provide us a clue on where to start with amino acid therapy.
