St. Louis, MO
+1 314-447-8847
SEMAGLUTIDE / TIRZEPATIDE FOR WEIGHT LOSS
FAQs
Both medications act like a hormone in your body called GLP-1. GLP-1 is responsible for controlling appetite and regulating blood sugar levels, which are key factors in weight management. It is primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and, in higher doses, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related medical issue. The brand names for these injections include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Both injections help to reduce food cravings and increase feelings of fullness, leading to a reduction in calorie intake and a gradual, sustainable weight loss.
Semaglutide / tirzepatide injections are typically taken once a week. We will provide specific instructions based on your medical condition and treatment goals.
Both medications are in a class of medications called GLP-1 RAs. When medications are in the same class they have similar mechanisms of action and similar side effects. At this time studies are slightly in favor of tirzepatide as being slightly more effective. Although, we “hear” that tirzepatides also has less side effects, we have not seen this in the studies we have reviewed.
We recommend people start with semaglutide and only switch to tirzepatide if semaglutide isn’t working at the full dose. The main reason for this is cost. Tirzepatide is more expensive.
Yes. Using semaglutide / tirzepatide for weight loss is considered “off-label” unless you also have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension or high cholesterol. It is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Yes.
In addition to measuring weight loss progress, we can monitor blood glucose, HgA1c, insulin resistance and cholesterol. We also monitor for side effects like kidney function, retinal health and symptoms of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and gastrointestinal side effects.
They are not recommended for those with a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer or pregnancy.
Semaglutide / tirzepatide is available as an injection. It is administered through subcutaneous injections in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. The injection location should be alternated every week. The site should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe.
Common side effects of semaglutide / tirzepatide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Most side effects are mild to moderate and may decrease over time. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact us.
We recommend people start with semaglutide and only switch to tirzepatide if semaglutide isn’t working at the full dose. The main reason for this is cost. Tirzepatide is more expensive.
Semaglutide / tirzepatide is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited data on its safety in these situations. Because of the unknown risks, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, we will not prescribe semaglutide / tirzepatide.
Yes.
We will consider your medical history, current health status, and treatment goals to determine if semaglutide / tirzepatide is appropriate for you. Schedule a free consult to get started and determine if you are a candidate.
Most people experience weight loss and lose a few pounds the first four weeks, but not everyone. Dosing increases over the first several months and if your weight is more resistant, it might take longer to find your effective dose. Increasing doses slowly is extremely important for limiting side effects and avoiding adverse events. Not everyone needs the highest dose, but it can take four months to reach this. semaglutide / tirzepatide work by improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. It can take a while to reverse these processes. Therefore, it is recommended you stick with injections for at least six months.
IV NUTRIENT THERAPY
FAQs
Infusions and injections are more effective than over-the counter supplements or drinks since they bypass your digestive system. This method is safe to replenish fluids and nutrients your body needs to live your best life. All of our products are sourced from FDA approved medical supplies and highly regulated pharmaceutical companies. Our formulas are regulated by a Physician to ensure proper dosing.
Your first time with us will take longer as it includes your consultation. After your initial visit, the process takes about 45-60 minutes.
For preventive health & wellness, it is highly recommended that clients schedule 2-4 infusions per month. This will aid in receiving your adequate intake of the rich vitamins and trace minerals necessary to live an optimal healthy life. You have the option of doing weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly treatments.
SMC offers a great selection of IV infusions and injections tailored to meet each unique patient’s needs. From boosting low energy, preventing migraines, aiding in muscle recovery, or enhancing cognitive performance, there’s a drip just for you.
SMC is an on-demand mobile concierge service. Appointments can be scheduled meeting in the comfort of your home, office, or event of choice for convenience. This method is being done with our Registered Nurse (s) that is fully trained and qualified with extensive experience background working both ER or/and ICU.
Your initial visit will commence with a full medical assessment by going over your health history to ensure PHB treatment is safe for you and will not interfere with your health/lifestyle. Once it’s determined that you are cleared to drip with PHB you will be asked to fill out all the necessary consent forms before choosing your drip of choice.our products are sourced from FDA approved medical supplies and highly regulated pharmaceutical companies. Our formulas are regulated by a Physician to ensure proper dosing.
The only discomfort you feel is a quick pinch during the IV insertion. The needle we use is small and only penetrates the skin 1-2mm then the catheter in slipped down the needle and then the needle is withdrawn.
Absolutely! B12 shots and IV therapy can be done on the same day. In fact, B12 shots actually enhance your IV therapy benefits
SMC IV infusion and injections are ‘elective’ therapies available to most patients between ages 18-65. Certain infusions may not be right for you based on pre-existing conditions. Also, some infusions are not recommended for pregnant women or women currently nursing. Your initial consultation will help you determine what services are right for you.
IV therapy is a method of feeding vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances directly into your bloodstream allowing you to receive 100% absorption. Bypassing the digestive system is the main advantage of our vitamin IV infusions. When vitamins are given orally they must be processed through the stomach and the intestines which decreases the absorption rate to 10%-20%.
Ketamine is a medication mainly used for starting and maintaining anesthesia for surgical procedures and treating pain. In small, sub-anesthetic doses, it is being used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, OCD, migraine headaches, and chronic pain. It is currently not FDA-approved in treating mental health conditions, but is being used as an “off-label” treatment. “Off-label” use means that it is being administered as a treatment that the FDA did not originally approve it for, but due to clinical experience a broader use of medications develops over time. There are currently several studies being conducted and a push to get approval for its use for depressive disorders and mood-related illnesses.
A series of 6 infusions is recommended over a 2 – 3 week period. Rapid results can be seen within a few hours of treatment, but some patients may take a longer time to respond. It is the process of repeating ketamine infusions that add to and rebuild neuronal pathways. It’s like rebuilding a highway, one layer at a time. The effects of ketamine can last from a few weeks to a few months, the results varying from person to person. Subsequent maintenance infusions are typically needed and recommended. Maintenance infusions are usually administered approximately once every 2 to 8 weeks. According to increasingly extensive research involving the use of ketamine for treatment in a broad spectrum of pschological ailments, the medical community reports approximately 70% or greater, success rate in the reduction of symptoms in patients receiving ketamine treatments.
If you have uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, or cardiac disease, we must optimize your medical regimen prior to treatment. If you are pregnant, or breastfeeding you are not a good candidate for treatment. We do not offer treatment to patients who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
The effects of ketamine are felt very quickly. You will be aware of your surroundings, but you will be unable to carry on with normal daily functions, like having a normal conversation or standing up. You may experience feeling confused, dizzy, or nauseous. Most patients have little to no side effects and any effects quickly subside after the infusion is complete.
The length of treatment will depend on what condition ketamine is being used to treat. You first visit will be a consultation where we will decide together if ketamine is a treatment option for you. During your consultation, we will review your past medical history, discuss ketamine, and review the risk and benefits of the procedure. Our team will be sure to answer all of your questions to assure that you are comfortable and feel fully informed.
If it is mutually agreed upon that ketamine may be beneficial, we will develop an individualized treatment plan. Generally, IV ketamine infusions for mental health and mood disorders are given in a course of 4-6 infusions over the course of approximately two weeks. Clinical trials have consistently shown a 70-75% success rate with this approach. When you arrive for your treatment, your vital signs will be checked and an IV will be started.
Most HSA and FSA care accounts can be used as a form of payment. We also accept cash, and credit/debit cards.
Ketamine infusions work quickly by increasing the neurotransmitter glutamate (NMDA receptor) in the frontal cortex of the brain, allowing new neuronal synapses to form. It works quickly because it bypasses the traditional serotonin route and works directly activating glutamate. The stress response caused by depression, anxiety, and PTSD decreases these connections causing a breakdown of communication among brain cells. It changes the brain’s neuroplasticity by increasing synapse connections, allowing the brain to reestablish, reconnect, change, and grow. A proliferation of neurons empower the synapses to communicate, increase coping mechanisms by opening doors and windows of the brain, letting in light and giving way to new thoughts and hope. Currently, there are no traditional anti-depressant medications that work on the same pathway as ketamine, making it a “breakthrough and cutting-edge” treatment for depressive disorders.
Yes, benzodiazepines such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Ativan interfere with the effectiveness of ketamine if used daily. Lamictal in doses above 100 mg/day can block ketamine efficacy. Pregnancy, uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiac dysrhythmias, and heart failure are contraindications for ketamine therapy. We will evaluate and use caution with glaucoma patients, as there may be a transient increase in intraocular pressure.
Your first appointment will include a 45-minute intake and assessment. You’ll need to plan for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours for the first appointment. Additional appointments will last around 1 hour.
You will need a ride home, driving after therapy isn’t recommended for 6 – 12 hours. Taxi/Uber/Lyft or medical rides are acceptable if you are unable to arrange a ride by other means. A ride must be established prior to receiving infusions.
Patients that are on MAO-I type medications such as Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Phenelzine (Nardil), Selegiline (Emsam), or Tranylcypromine (Parnate), need to be tapered off their medication 2 weeks prior to infusions. Patients that are on high doses of benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepan (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), or Diazepam (Valium) may consider decreasing to lower doses prior to infusion, but they may remain on these medications during the infusion time.
Some of the most common experiences on ketamine include:
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Heightened senses. You may feel more aware of instruments in the music you’re listening to, the softness of your blanket, or the intensity of different colors.
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Deep relaxation or dissociation. Many patients describe feeling “floaty,” “light,” or like they are dreaming. The dissociation from ketamine infusion tends to be a pleasant or neutral experience, and it is believed that this state of mind allows for processing emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
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Feeling happy or euphoric. It may make you feel happy or blissful. For patients suffering from depression, the euphoria from ketamine treatment can feel like a sudden relief from the daily weight of pain and worry.
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