Posted by paulbwell on February 24, 2005, at 0:19:27
In reply to Re: JERRYMPLS????? » paulbwell, posted by jerrympls on February 23, 2005, at 23:09:08
> > > > > hi, no disrespect at all intended. just wondering-- do most of you experience a "high" from opiates? i've heard of this happening with some people, but i've never had a high or a good feeling; more like a numb feeling of being pushed down.
> > > >
> > > > I get high! I take two hydrocodones in mid-day when I start feeling down and shortly I'm i nirvana!
> > >
> > >
> > > I do not get high. I take 5mg four times daily. If I were to take a lot more I would probably feel high - but the dose I am on now does not get *me* high.
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi Jerry,
> >
> > How on earth did you get around to be prescribed Opiates for Depression?
> >
> > -I am guessing you are paying alot to see this PsyDoc? (money talks)
> > -He is VERY openminded? and not worried about legal ramafacations?
> >
> > I come from down under, and while seeing a top PsyDoc here, openly and honestly, mentioned that when I take Codeine 200-400mgs (Nurofen plus split-OTC here) with the 2-6mgs of Clonazepam I had been taking, I experience a very noticable anxiolytic, antidepressant effect,
> >
> > Well this was not a good move!. my PCP informed me this PsyDoc thought I was displaying 'Drug seeking tendencies' and was going to place my name on the Authorities 'Drug seekers register'!!, until my PCP intervened.
> >
> > As another poster wrote:
> > "Opiates are the best and most effective Antidepressants, they have been used for thousands of years, and apart from 'dependence' are far less toxic than the new drugs. The beginning of imipramine in 1958 represents more, Biopsychiartic sophistication than advance in treatment.
> >
> > So how did you get prescribed these meds?
> > Which Opiates/Opiods have you been medicated with?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Cheers Paul
>
> Hi Paul!
>
> Well, you'll be amazed to know that my pdoc is a resident - 4th year. I see him at a clinic at our University (a teaching hospital). I have insurance, so my copay to see him is $10. I originally "came out" about how opiates helped my depression when my doc - frustrated with my treatment resistant depression - asked me "Does ANYTHING help you?" I said boldy: "Yes, Vicodin (hydrocodone). It's the closest thing that's ever made me feel close to normal." We have a good relationship and after I said: "I am not a drug addict, I am not seeking a high, nor am I drug seeking..." my doc said: "I know - I trust you."
>
> However, it still wasn't an easy sell. Luckily from doing research on the web and getting some research from some of the members on this board, I presented it to my doc who went over it with his supervising/faculty psychiatrist. Still, he wanted to try a couple other options - but said "An opiate trial is not out of the question - but I'd like to look into it more."
>
> So, two months ago he agreed to go ahead with a trial of opiates - along with my other meds (Lexapro & dexedrine). We did a month trial on Oxycodone (Oxycontin) 10mg 1x daily. I found that it helped tremendously but really fogged my thinking. I told him that hydrocodone gave me more of a stimulating effect and he agreed to do another month trial on that to compare the two. The only drawback to the hydrocodone is there is no long-acting form. I'm taking HYCODAN which is hydrocodone 5mg and 1.5mg homatropine (anti-cholinergic/sub-therapuetic level) preparation. I take 4 of them a day.
>
> I see him next week to decide on which opiate to continue on - and I think it will be the hydrocodone because it doesn't cause any mental clouding.
>
> I do NOT feel high when I take this medication. I barely notice it except for the fact that it has put my depression into a 70-80% remission. I still have a lingering chronic low-grade depression that I'm working on with my therapist.
>
> I have good days and bad days and I do NOT feel great all the time - but I do feel very "normal," the best I've felt in the 13 years I've been battling depression (I'm 33 now).
>
> So, I am not paying $$$ for a big name doctor - I pay $10 to see a resident - a student doc. I think that it makes a HUGE difference that this is at a big university with a big research area. This was one of the University's that conducted part of the Vegal Nerve Stimulator clinical studies (which I was involved in).
>
> I have been feeling guilty for posting my luck with a doc prescribing opiates for my depression because I know there are so many others out there who are in pain. I don't want to sound as if I am gloating. I thank God every day that I have this opportunity. Yes, I am worried about tolerance and possible withdrawl in the future - but I'll have to cross that bridge when/if it comes.
>
> Hope this helped answer your questions. I'm happy to answer any others.
>
> Thanks!
> Jerry
Thank you for your reply :)You lucky dog you, to have understanding and cooperative Docs, who actually listen and try and help you, using whatever works to make you feel "normal" (I know what you mean-Codeine does this to me).
I'm 33 this year too, and have battled Depression since my teens-so we have a similar story. I have managed to have the opportunity of using MSIR 20mg, (Morphine Sulphate Immediate Release)-at considerable expense-which I bought off an acquantance, and found these to be helpfull in a different way. They helped Depression but only by numbing it. They made me feel kinda dopey and slow, as opposed to Codeine which had an enlivening effect, so I know you feelings in reguards to Oxy, Hydro.You take Dexedrine? does this help? a high dose?
I am prescribed Ritalin for 'ADHD' which apparently I have, It is a fast and short acting Anti-Depressant--so I'l go with it.
I wonder if you plan on trying any more Opiates, or if you feel well enought on the Hycodone.
Cheers
poster:paulbwell
thread:453574
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050222/msgs/462545.html