Posted by jerrympls on June 17, 2006, at 5:26:12
In reply to Opiates for Depression - YAY!, posted by Hermit on June 16, 2006, at 14:49:30
> A friend turned me on to this thread, and after reading the posts, I am so disheartened about the hell so many people have to go through in order to attempt to justify to others their use of opiates for depression. They shouldn't have to! If it works, we should be thrilled that they don't have to live through the hell of depression anymore.
>
> I'm one of those people who were helped by opiates. Originally prescribed for fibromyalgia, I quickly discovered it helped depression and chronic fatigue, as well. In my case, I just let the use of this substance get out of hand, so I stopped. (I had a 3 week withdrawal to deal with.)
>
> But even now, I would fight for anyone's right to use opiates in this way. IT WORKS. Period. Yes, you WILL get physically addicted to them, but you have to weigh that against living daily with suicidal tendencies, pain, and/or no energy or interest in living. I say let these people make their own choice, and support that choice wholeheartedly. It's what they need -- and what I needed.
>
> I think it's time the medical community either come up with a similar and better solution, or stop harrassing those of us who have found an effective (although not perfect) way to handle these conditions.
>
> (BTW, all of you using opiates in this way it to yourself to do a search for "kratom" on the internet ASAP.)
>
> Peace,
> HermitHey Hermit
I'm right there with ya! I finally convinced my pdoc about 2 years ago to augment my med cocktail with hydrocodone. I gave him every piece of research I could gather regarding the use of opiates for treatment-resistant depression. Finally after discussing it with his collegues - he decided to do it. I'd been on EVERYTHING else - including ECT and the VNS implant.
2 years later and I have not gorwn tolerant to the hydrocodone. I take 5mg 4xdaily and have kept at that dosage for 2 years. It's no miracle cure - but like you said IT WORKS. Doctors should be less focused on the abuse potential of a med and more focused on finding a treatment that will give someone their life back. If it's a controlled substance - WHO CARES!? If it works - then use it. Far too many docs make poor decisions based upon meds that can make someone feel better rapidly! OHHH!! Feel better now as opposed to 12 weeks - 4 months - never?
I'm hereby naming all docs out there who are too afriad to use meds that effect opiate receptors and dopamine - "DOPAPHOBICS!"
You heard it here first folks!!!!!
Jerry
poster:jerrympls
thread:651514
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060617/msgs/657917.html