Norepinephrine and serotonin are important neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are often deficient in the brains of some people. Boosting serotonin and norepinephrine levels can reduce carbohydrate carvings and act as an appetite suppressant. Ideally, to be effective, the neurotransmitter levels should be normal and balanced.

Both phentermine and 5-HTP are appetite suppressants. They cause a voluntary decrease in caloric intake of both carbohydrates and fats and a significant loss of weight.

The process by which 5-HTP is converted into serotonin is called decarboxylation. If decarboxylation occurs before 5-HTP is absorbed by the brain, then blood levels of serotonin will elevate significantly, but very little serotonin will enter the brain. Carbidopa prevents 5-HTP from being converted into serotonin until it reaches the brain. Carbidopa is a prescription medication and therefore Carbithane (5-HTP/Carbidopa) is a prescription item.

This protocol is generally only available for our office patients in Santa Barbara.  However, special arrangements can be made for persons living outside of Santa Barbara.  We still require an office visit and appropriate laboratory test to start the protocol.  On going care can be provided over the telephone for out of area patients.

5-Hydroxytryptophane (5-HTP) is a natural molecular intermediate between the amino acid tryptophane and serotonin (5-HT).

Decreases 5-HTP metabolism in the blood stream thus increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Causes an increase in norepinephrine and indirectly is a dopamine promoter (agonist) and to a lesser extent, an indirect serotonin agonist. It does not create more dopamine or serotonin, as does 5-HTP. Instead it increases their concentration in the synapse, the juncture between two cells.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). CLA is essential for the transport of dietary fat into cells, where it is used to build muscle and produce energy. Other benefits of CLA include: Reduces body fat, Protects against atherosclerosis and other aging-related diseases, Contains anticancer properties and is a potent antioxidant. The daily recommended dose is 3000 - 4000 (3 - 4 gm) per day in the morning.

Magnesium and Chromium. These elements are required to break down the cellular insulin resistance that causes higher than normal blood sugar levels. Chromium has the ability to lower serum glucose levels by potentiating insulin sensitivity.

DHEA. For people over 35 years of age, DHEA replacement therapy is suggested as part of the overall weight management program. The average dose of DHEA for men should be 50 - 75 mg daily. Women need only 15 to 25 mg. of DHEA daily. Those with existing prostrate or breast cancer should avoid taking it for now. Men should have a PSA blood test and digital exam for prostate cancer before taking DHEA.

Green Tea Extract.  This supplement has become one of the better-documented nutrients for the prevention, and possibly the treatment, of a wide range of lethal diseases including cancer.  Green tea has been shown to have a thermogenic-enhancing effect, which increases metabolism and helps with weight loss.  Some studies suggest that green tea extract may inhibit the oxidation of LDL, so-called "bad" cholesterol, and thereby prevent heart disease.  Dosage of Green Tea Extract:  Take two 350mg capsules daily.

Multivitamins A multivitamin should provide pharmaceutical quality ingredients and an antioxidant formula. We believe that the life extension mix from the life extension foundation is the most complete muti-nutrient formula available.

Antioxidants (many multivitamins contain some of the recommended antioxidants - check amounts).

• Selenium 200 - 600 mcg/day
• Folate (folic acid) 400 - 1,000 mcg/day
• Coenzyme Q10 60 - 90 mg/day
• Vitamin E 800 - 1000 i.u./day
• Vitamin A activity 5000 - 10,000 i.u./day
• Vitamin C 1000 - 2500 mg/day
• Grape Seed Extract 100 - 200 mcg/day
• Zinc 20 - 40 mg/day

For Men, the following supplements are suggested for prostate health:

• Saw Palmetto extract 160 mg, twice a day
• Pygeum Extract 50 mg, twice a day
• Nettle Root Extract 120 mg, twice a day
• Lycopene 5mg, twice a day

Our goal is a low carbohydrate, low saturated and low trans fat diet. The ratio is a 40 - 30 - 30 caloric ratio of carbohydrates to protein to fat. Low carbohydrate means cutting back on sugar and other refined carbohydrates - especially white wheat (refined).

First Thing in the morning:

Five minutes before lunch:

• One chromium-niacin capsule (200 mg).
• One DHEA capsule.
• Green Tea Extract 350 mg

Five minutes before dinner

• One chromium-niacin capsule.
• One 500 mg. Magnesium capsule.

The schedule for phentermine and carbithane(5-HTP/carbidopa) is individualize for each patient. The amount and ratio of the two medications is important and may vary from patient to patient for optimal results. During the course of therapy the dosage of both medications may be adjusted.

• Advanced arteriosclerosis
• Moderate to severe high blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Post stroke
• Cancer patients
• Liver disease
• AIDS
• Pregnancy
• Nursing mothers
• Patients under 16 years of age

Medications

• Antidepressant drugs
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (during or within 14 days of administration)
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s, e.g., Prozac, Zoloft)
• Tricyclic Medications

• Dryness of mouth
• Restlessness, dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Nausea
• Allergic rash

There is a rare condition that can occur (serotonin syndrome), when other medications are taken that also cause changes in brain serotonin levels, especially if antidepressant drugs are taken with the carbithane protocol (this is very rare). Do not take any antidepressant medications while on the carbithane protocol. The rare syndrome causes confusion, agitation, fever, shivering, euphoria, sustained rapid eye movement, restlessness, feeling drunk and dizziness. If any of the above symptoms occur, stop all medications and call our office.

If any of the above reactions occur, stop the medications and call our office.

Disclaimer
Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should carefully read all product packaging. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.

Statements and information regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.

 Copyright © 1998 - 2006, Test America