Posted by KarenB on June 5, 2000, at 11:08:29
In reply to Re: hydrocodone or tramadol for depression, posted by shellie on June 5, 2000, at 9:01:19
Shellie,
I have used both hydrocodone (Vicoden) and tramadol (Ultram) for depression and anxiety, AS NEEDED. Both are effective but Vicoden being a controlled substance, it's hard to keep a supply on hand. I, also, have never exceeded the recommended dose of either.
I have a friend who uses Vicoden for PMS anxiety as well as menstrual cramps. She is someone who uses no other drugs and takes it no other time but I can just tell, the way she says she going to "lay back on the sofa and take a Vicoden," that she's treating more than pain. You already know it can be addictive, so I don't need to tell you something you already know.
If you go to the most recent archive board, there is a message there from Dr.Bob, saying "Beware Ultram." It has a link to a message written by another doctor, stating he has had people addicted to Ultram... yada, yada, even though it is not supposed to be addictive. I know from using it that it is mind-altering and have no problem believing that it can be addictive.
I used Vicoden after my second C-section and believe it saved me from untreated postnatal depression. I use Ultram now for chronic pain and have recently backed off my dosage, because I couldn't tell what was doing what, being on other medications. If the other meds are working, I shouldn't need Ultram to improve my mood.
All this to say that I beleive, as you, that they indeed have antidepressant action BUT are not the best choices for ongoing treatment of depression.
Karen
poster:KarenB
thread:36063
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36125.html