Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the evidence that this protocol works?

As is common in Complementary Medicine, there has never been adequate funding for clinical studies to be done, and the same holds true for this protocol. We are pioneers in Canada in this field, and what we do know is that in the U.S. over 10,000 patients have completed the amino acid therapy with over 70% success, due to follow up from the administering clinics. Our intention is to generate and publish studies and to collaborate with other research groups to be able, in time, to give more than anecdotal evidence. We will do follow up checks with each patient every three months to record their progress.


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Without evidence, why is Agora doing this?

Currently, traditional detox programmes see a success rate of only 10-20 % of patients being drug free one year later. Agora's protocol is mirrored after the pioneering work of Dr. William Hitt, an American MD. He has compiled his statistics of a 70% success rate for over 10 0000 patients after five years based on follow-up contact every 6 months. Agora is already aware that further studies need to be done in order to more formally track success rates (see above) but the difference between the documented success rates and the traditional rehab process is so substantial that Agora has elected to begin offering the protocol now to help patients as much as possible.


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Are there any side effects?

Normally, withdrawal involves the client having headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, DT's, or halucinations. Because the amino acid therapy feeds the neuroreceptors which are usually fed by drugs or alcohol, the patient has very gentle withdrawal symptoms. As Agora is also using infrared sauna to detoxify the body at the same time, the patient will feel some general discomfort, which passes by Day Four.


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Are there any contraindications?

Yes, Agora does not accept people who have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, or who have active suicidal tendencies, kidney disease, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled seizure disorder, are on MAOI's, or are pregnant or lactating. Agora also only accepts patients over the age of 16.


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Are there possible drug interactions or side effects for people on medications?

At first contact with the client, Agora's naturopathic physician will assess the medication regime. All SSRI's and SNRI's will be discontinued three days prior to the administration of the Agora protocol.


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Is referral required?

Patients are self-referred or may be referred by their health care professionals. Agora welcomes the opportunity to work with the client's current practitioners.


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Does the amino acid formula come from the U.S.?

No, Agora works with a local provincially accredited compounding pharmacist who makes the formula to order.


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Who monitors the patients undergoing treatment?

Each patient is carefully monitored on a daily basis by a naturopathic physician familiar with the Agora protocol, detoxification, and any possible challenges which may arise. Monitoring includes daily vitals, physical exam when appropriate, and an emotional and mental status exam to review progress.


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