California’s Board of Pharmacy may soon restrict access to a variety of compounds that many Lyme patients find essential to getting well. This doctor explains why she thinks that’s a bad idea–and how you can take action to stop it. Sign the petition here.
By Pamela M. Davis, MD
If you’re dealing with Lyme disease or know someone who is, you’ve probably heard about NAD+, glutathione, and methylcobalamin. These compounds are generating significant buzz in the Lyme treatment community, and for good reason.
Let’s dive into what makes these treatments so promising and why they might be game-changers for Lyme patients.
Living with Lyme disease is like fighting a battle on multiple fronts. From crushing fatigue to brain fog, from joint pain to neurological symptoms, Lyme can feel overwhelming.
What makes it particularly challenging is how the bacteria affects multiple body systems simultaneously, creating a complex web of symptoms that can be difficult to address.
Enter the power trio
This is where our three heroes come in: NAD+, glutathione, and methylcobalamin. When properly compounded in sterile conditions (this part is crucial!), these substances work together to support your body’s natural healing processes. Let’s break down how each one helps.
Your cellular battery charger: NAD+
Think of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as your cells’ rechargeable battery. In Lyme disease, these batteries often run dangerously low. Here’s what NAD+ does:
- Boosts energy production at the cellular level
- Helps clear the mental fog that many Lyme patients struggle with
- Supports your body’s repair systems
- Helps regulate sleep cycles (which are often disrupted in Lyme patients)
Real talk: Many Lyme patients report feeling a noticeable uptick in energy and mental clarity within days of starting NAD+ treatment. Especially when it is given intravenously. While individual results vary, the energy boost can be significant enough to help patients return to daily activities they’d previously given up.
Your body’s master detoxifier: glutathione
If NAD+ is your battery charger, glutathione is your body’s cleanup crew. During Lyme treatment, your body deals with a lot of toxins, both from the bacteria themselves and from their die-off during treatment.
Here’s where glutathione shines:
- Neutralizes harmful free radicals that cause inflammation
- Supports your liver in processing and eliminating toxins
- Helps reduce the severity of herxheimer reactions
- Strengthens your immune response
Pro tip: Many Lyme patients find that glutathione helps them tolerate their primary treatments better by reducing side effects and detox symptoms.
Your nerve repair expert: methylcobalamin
This active form of vitamin B12 is particularly crucial for Lyme patients dealing with neurological symptoms.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Directly supports nerve repair and protection
- Helps improve brain fog and cognitive function
- Supports energy production
- Aids in mood regulation
The best part? Methylcobalamin’s benefits often become noticeable within weeks, particularly in areas of cognitive function and energy levels.
Better together: the synergy effect
While each of these compounds is powerful on its own, the magic really happens when they work together. Think of it as a well-coordinated team: NAD+ provides the energy; glutathione handles the cleanup; methylcobalamin repairs the damage. Together, they create a comprehensive support system for your body during Lyme treatment.
What makes this approach different? The key lies in proper compounding and administration. When these substances are prepared in sterile conditions and administered properly (usually through IV or injection), they can:
- Reach therapeutic levels more effectively
- Work more quickly than oral supplements
- Provide more consistent results
- Support your primary Lyme treatment protocol
Real-world implementation
If you’re considering these treatments, here’s what you should know:
- They work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
- Proper administration via IV or injection is crucial for effectiveness
- Response can vary from person to person
- Regular monitoring helps optimize results
Looking Forward: The use of these compounds in Lyme disease treatment continues to evolve, with new protocols and applications being developed. While they’re not a magic bullet, they represent a powerful tool in the Lyme treatment toolkit.
The bottom line
For many Lyme patients, the combination of NAD+, glutathione, and methylcobalamin provides valuable support during treatment. While they shouldn’t replace your primary Lyme protocol, they can significantly enhance your body’s ability to heal and manage symptoms.
Remember: Always work with a qualified healthcare provider who understands both Lyme disease and these compounds. They can help you determine the right protocol for your specific situation and ensure you’re getting the highest quality, properly compounded versions of these supplements.
Alarming developments in California
Recently the California Board of Pharmacy (BOP) has proposed limiting and/or completely blocking access to these life changing compounds. They are also looking to further reduce the number of credentialed compounding pharmacies operating in the state of California.
Because of the need to control costs and to keep these compounds fresh and protected from excessive heat in order for them to be effective, local pharmacies are key.
Firefighters in particular are making statements about their need to have easy access to glutathione to help their lungs recover after battling fires.
Please consider signing the petition to stop the pharmacy board from closing the very necessary compounding pharmacies and blocking access to these very effective treatments.
Dozens of vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, peptides, hormones and herbs that are legal, effective and needed by so many suffering with chronic diseases are also at risk of being banned by the California board of Pharmacy. Even if you are from another state, your opinion matters because where California goes many other states might follow.
You can give a public comment at the Board of Pharmacy meeting on November 7. You can either do this in person in San Diego, or online via WebEx. Go to StopTheBOP to learn more about this issue and how you can make your opinion known.
*Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment protocol.*
Pamela Davis, MD, is in private practice in Los Angeles. She sees patients in person and via telemedicine, and can be reached through her website.
