Posted by Neuroscientist on November 30, 2010, at 13:44:35
In reply to Re: mu receptors, endorphins, or something else?, posted by Neuroscientist on November 30, 2010, at 13:31:44
One last thing. I briefly asked about the pain situation, but that may be central to the whole question.
Serious pain can cause depression, or make it worse. So the effect of the Percocet may be secondary to reducing your pain. Also, people with chronic pain conditions also have problems with sleep. Sleep problems can lead several things. One is fatigue, mental cloudiness etc. This may be one reason why adderall is helpful. Also, sleep disruption (especially slow wave sleep(SWS) disruption) can exacerbate pain and also energy levels,mood,clarity of thought etc.)
If you do have a serious pain condiition and are not already seeing a pain specialist, that would obviously be a good thing. They may suggest something like Lyrica. Lyrica (and other meds, both related and unrelated) can improve ones sleep, especially SWS, and therefore pain and its myriad side-effects. Or if the pain is mostly controlled with opiates, but sleep is a problem, perhaps focus on improving that.
Also, it may be clique, but its true: Exercise can boost the production/release of endorphins, and other endogenous opiates, as well as dopamine (i.e adderall). So assuming your pain does not prevent it, some exercise is great chemically, and clinically can be a great antidepressant for many people.
Finally, fish oil. Theres lots of promising research into fish oil for pain, depression, ADHD, heart disease, etc. I tell everyone I know to take it. It is best to take a good brand, since supplements aren't regulated by FDA, so only certain companies make a good product that is 3rd party tested, purity ensured etc. I take Nordic Naturals (good brand, but pricey compared to Wal Mart Brand) In this instance, you get what you pay for. I take 2000-3000mg per day. You may want to look into that.
Anyways sorry I've typed sooooo much stuff. I'm a neuroscience nerd, and temporarily out of work so I have lots of free time on my hands! haha.
poster:Neuroscientist
thread:965066
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20100607/msgs/971956.html