Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia
Intravenous Therapy

The following is a list of ingredients in the standard intravenous therapy treatment, which you will be receiving. On occasion, ingredients are adjusted to meet individual patient requirements.

There may be certain additions or deletions from the standard protocol to address specific issues or deficiencies in an individual situation. For example, someone who has a functional deficiency in pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may need an additional amount of that particular micronutrient. Or, if a specific problem is suggestive of amino acid metabolic limitation, certain amino acids may be added to the standard IV bag. If you have questions in this regard, please check with the physician.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The standard protocol includes 10 grams of vitamin C. In certain situations, the dose may be somewhat higher. Vitamin C is important in collagen formation, tissue repair, cellular respiration, and acts to stabilize the generation of free radicals within metabolic processes. It also is a significant activator of the immune system and is very helpful in assisting the body fight acute types of infectious processes and modulate allergic response. So, those with chronic sinus problems, allergies and gastrointestinal sensitivities are often improved a significant amount with injectable vitamin C. It is important to continue to take the oral supplements in addition to the intravenous therapy (especially as it relates to vitamin C) while you are receiving this IV therapy.

Magnesium assists with over 3,000 biochemical reactions in the body. It aids in the regulation of body fluids and basal metabolic rate. It also figures pivotally in the regulation of cellular energy production. It stabilizes allergic potential. Therefore, magnesium has been shown to be very useful in the prevention and treatment of allergic and sensitivity problems. Many people who have a tendency to have reactive airway problems (asthma) or multiple allergies notice a significant improvement with intravenous infusion of magnesium chloride. In addition, because of its regulatory effect on cellular energy production, most people notice a significant improvement in overall energy.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is a co-enzyme in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Thus, it is involved in energy production. Several pieces of medical research have shown a significant improvement with the use of vitamin B6 for the treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue states.

Molybdenum is an essential trace element. It functions as a catalyst of several cell enzyme systems. In particular, it helps liver enzymatic detoxification processes and the conversion of sulfates in the diet and those, which result from cellular metabolism. It can significantly affect allergy, sensitivity, and fatigue states, especially where there is limited liver detoxification process capacity.

L-taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that stabilizes electrical activity in the heart and brain. It has been used as a treatment for cardiac rhythm problems and seizure disorders. It is very intimately involved in the regulation of detoxification pathways that occur in the liver and has been used clinically in the treatment of chronic fatigue states. It improves cardiac function. In several clinical studies, it has been shown to improve heart efficiency rather dramatically.

Glutathione is a tri-peptide anti-oxidant. It is a primary anti-oxidant produced by the liver and in other locations of the body, to prevent free radical damage. There are several studies, which look at the relative benefit of injectable glutathione to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is included in the IV as a detoxifier, immune stimulant, and general aid to improving overall debility.

Alphaketo glutaric acid is an intermediate used in the metabolism of blood sugar to produce cellular energy. It is involved in important detoxification reactions to assist the body in clearing molecules that might be otherwise damaging.

Trace minerals. In addition to molybdenum, the IV contains several trace minerals, which include chromium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, rubidium, boron, and others. The trace elements function in several ways. They help improve cellular metabolism, accelerate wound healing, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol status, improve protein synthesis, regulate sexual function, enhance immune function, and prevent cellular oxidative stress.

Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12). This particular IV formulation uses a special type of vitamin B12 known as hydroxocobalamin. In general, injectable vitamin B12 is available only as cyanocobalamin. Unfortunately, the cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide nucleus. There is some question of the relative merit of injecting a preparation such as this into the human body. The hydroxocobalamin used at the Center for Complementary Medicine is a specially compounded form of vitamin B12. As you are probably aware, vitamin B12 injections have been used for many years and, anecdotally, have improved overall energy status and prevented fatigue states from recurring. In general, most people report improved mental clarity and thought process, better sleep, more colorful dreams, better energy, and an increased zest for life. Interestingly, it has also been used clinically in medical experimentation to relieve symptoms of neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. It has been shown to bring about a significant improvement.

Folic acid works closely with vitamin B12 metabolically. Like vitamin B12, it also helps lower plasma homocysteine levels, which are linked to a statistical increase in the risk of the development of heart disease. Folic acid, of course, is also known to reduce the incidents of various types of birth defects and to regulate production of immune system cell lines and red blood cells.

B complex. The IV also contains a mixture of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6 which are all involved in cellular respiration and energy production within the cell. Many clinical studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue states are known to have functional deficiencies of one or many B vitamins. Without adequate amounts of the B complex vitamins, cellular energy production will be significantly diminished.

Calcium gluconate. Calcium, of course, is known for its activity in bone and tooth formation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, relaxation, transmission of nerve impulses and regulation of heart rate. It works in conjunction with magnesium and is included in the IV preparation to balance the magnesium component of the IV.

Side effects of the IV might include flushing or feeling warm all over, which is related to histamine release and magnesium-induced vasodilatation of circulatory system. It is usually temporary and, generally, mild. In addition, a person may experience some muscle cramping, drowsiness, and nausea. These occurrences are rare and they can usually be prevented by eating an adequate meal prior to the administration of the IV and, also, consuming some snacks or drinks (such as crackers and juice) while receiving the intravenous therapy.

On occasion, blood pressure can drop, causing a person to feel somewhat light-headed. If this occurs, we will need to adjust the rate of your infusion. These symptoms will resolve when the intravenous therapy is discontinued.

There is always a potential for allergic reactions. However, in the cumulative experience of the physicians who have been administering these therapies throughout the country, this occurrence is very, very rare.

If you have further questions, please discuss them with the nurse.

Dale Guyer, M.D.