Author: dr.vanta

How To Increase GABA- Drugs That Increase GABA (and Some Non-Drug Options)

Posted by | Feb 17, 2018 | , |

This article is all about how to raise GABA with meds. In my other articles I wrote how to increase GABA naturally and  about GABA and GABA deficiency symptoms. Drugs that increase GABA 1.Benzodiazepines 2.Barbiturates 3.Baclofen 4.Other drugs that increase GABA : Acamprosate, Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Tiagabine, Lamotrigine, Topiramate 5.Neuroactive Steroids and More Drugs that Increase GABA 6.Cannabis Based Drugs (ie Sativex) Increasing GABA Without Drugs : ECT and rTMS Some Thoughts In theory, things look pretty simple: a supplement that raises GABA levels would correct GABA deficiency and improve the anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle stiffness and other symptoms of low GABA. The precursors of GABA are glucose (the predominant precursor) [3] , as well as pyruvate and the amino acid glutamine. Glutamine → Glutamate →  GABA                                    ↑                   ↓               Citric Acid Cycle  ← Succinate semialdehyde (SA)         But in real life, things aren’t that easy. When supplementing with GABA is really important to understand the tight connection between GABA with the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate -these two work together. You may boost GABA levels but imbalance/increase the levels of glutamate (which are too high in MS and many other diseases). The enzyme that converts glutamine to glutamate or GAD (that enzyme that converts glutamate...

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GABA Deficiency Symptoms… Do You Have Them ?

Posted by | Feb 8, 2018 | |

GABA Deficiency Symptoms About GABA. What Does GABA Do? Major Causes of GABA Deficiency GABA & The Brain & The Immune System- The role of GABA in Neuroplasticity, Myelin Formation, Intelligence, and Higher Cognitive function, and Protection Against Neurodegeneration, On the Immune System and Inflammation GABA Deficiency & MS-Could GABA Deficiency Be A Secret Cause of MS? GABA and the Gut/Gut-Brain Axis GABA And The Sleep -Awake Cycle        3. How To Increase GABA Naturally  and  Drugs That Increase GABA Gaba Deficiency Symptoms           GABA deficiency symptoms (mental/emotional symptoms) Anxious or panic for no reason Great fear or apprehension Overwhelmed for no reason Reduced ability to cope with stress Restless Unable to relax Mood swings Scattered attention, memory problems Feeling a lump in the throat or butterflies in the stomach Worry about things and situations you never thought before Short, violent temper even delusions (advanced GABA deficiencies) Depression [36] or bipolar Phobias Motor tics Insomnia or excessive sleeping, restless leg syndrome Alcohol or marijuana abuse Increased sensitivity (to sounds, chemicals, light, etc)       GABA deficiency symptoms (physical symptoms) Neuro and MSK (musculoskeletal): blurred vision, dizziness, tingling and numbness; migraines or seizures (in severe deficiencies), slow movements, muscle tension and weakness, muscle pain, fibromyalgia Digestive: moderate/severe diarrhea or constipation with/without associated IBS, significant changes in appetite, vomiting Cardiovascular: tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), palpitations,...

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January 2018 News – MS Remyelination Drugs, Genetic Markers To Predict Response to Copaxone and More

Posted by | Jan 29, 2018 | , |

Remyelination Drugs & Supplements for MS- a Few Showing Potential (Animal Studies Only) 1.C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) from Spirulina platensis and Phycocyanobilin (PCB) were found to promote white matter regeneration in EAE (animal models of MS), helping promote remyelination. I expect to see soon studies in humans [1]. 2.More Klotho To Boost Remyelination ? Gene therapy targeting Klotho protein is now investigated for MS. Klotho protein promotes neuronal survival and remyelination, being mostly known for its neuroprotective, anti-aging effects [2]. We all have Klotho protein in the blood and central nervous system. This protein helps us live longer and correlates with IQ, thus be more intelligent. It also offers resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation [3]. The problem is that the levels of Klotho decrease as we age. Abnormal levels of Klotho were also found in MS. Until researchers found the perfect pill to boost Klotho, I have two recommendations: exercise more and cut down on stress. Exercise had been found to improve Klotho’s levels [4], while chronic stress had been associated with low Klotho levels [5]. A number of supplements (omega 3, zinc, vitamins E and D, resveratrol, etc) also show some potential to increase Klotho in animal studies, but not yet confirmed in human studies. 3. Antipsychotic drugs used for the treatment of schizophrenia like risperidone or clozapine decrease the severity of animal model of MS. Will likely see clinical trials in the...

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Are You Sure It’s MS ?… Do You Know How Often is Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosed ?

Posted by | Jan 25, 2018 | , |

Top 7 Reasons To Challenge The Diagnosis of MS and How Often is Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosed Neurological disorders like MS. Other conditions That Mimic MS What Causes Brain Lesions Besides MS? What Can You Do To Get The Right Diagnosis ? I. Top 7 Reasons To Challenge The Diagnosis of MS and How Often is Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosed I could write 100 blog posts asking the question- are you sure it is MS and not “X” disease? I have several good reasons to challenge the diagnosis of MS, and so should you. MS is a serious diagnosis, not a cold or flu. You have the right to know the right diagnosis and rule out other conditions MS is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed condition. There about 100 conditions that mimic MS [1],  and we have no accurate test to properly get the diagnosis. How often is multiple sclerosis misdiagnosed ? Rates of MS misdiagnosis vary with the study- from 6% up to 35%. Yes, up  to 35% – roughly 1 in 3 cases could be another condition, not MS ! Did you know that ? Doctors are very much aware about  how often is multiple sclerosis misdiagnosed. A new study (feb 2018) supports the overdiagnosis of MS [2]. Unfortunately, a person suspected with MS is rarely referred to another neurologist for a second opinion or to other specialists to rule out...

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Treating Serotonin Deficiency: How To Increase Serotonin Levels- Naturally Or With Meds

Posted by | Jan 16, 2018 | , |

  How To Increase Serotonin Levels With Supplements            Is  L-Tryptophan safe ? Is 5 HTP safe?  L-tryptophan vs 5 HTP            Other  Supplements & Vitamins How To Increase Serotonin Levels -Other Natural Ways How To Increase Serotonin With Drugs, ECT, rTMS Why antidepressants aren’t effective in the majority of people treated for depression? Some thoughts  How To Increase Serotonin Levels With Supplements . Is L tryptophan safe ? Is 5 HTP safe ? L tryptophan vs 5 HTP- which one is better ? Other Supplements that Increase Serotonin Serotonin deficiency should be treated to avoid symptoms of serotonin deficiency, which I described in details here. Both L tryptophan and 5 HTP are precursors of serotonin and can boost the levels of this neurotransmitter. The question is- which one is the best and the safest?                                  TRYPTOPHAN                            /                  |           \                          /                    |              \              Proteins             5 HTP         KYNURENINE                                                |                      |                                                |                      |                                         SEROTONIN           Niacin (vitamin B3)                                  /           |                               /            N acetyl serotonin                        ...

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