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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 80 to 104 of 121. Go back in thread:
Posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 14:31:27
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » shelliR, posted by JahL on December 6, 2001, at 11:34:15
>
> Hi Shelli.
>
Hi Jah,
> I think Methadone low-dose is helping a little. Now I've got the green (in both senses of the word) light.......do you have enough of a source for you to be secure in knowing that if it works, it will be there for you?
And will you see this guy again to see how the new med combo works? Is he still your doctor?
What does this mean: PS I'm still technically at the DP unit so I'll keep you abreast of any developments.
Are you physically in the hospital, or does unit mean your file is still being kept in the huge bureaucratic UK system at a certain specialty and they may continue to treat you?
You can perhaps answer those questions in one answer, because they might all be related, except the supply question.
Its hard to translate the UK system from over here.
I don't know if there is much of a difference in how I feel between methadone and oxycontin. It's more that my doctor is telling me that it "should"
last for at least 12 hours and it's lasting for only 8 hours. And it was a bad time to switch because it's the busy season until christmas with my business. So with the oxy, he was allowing me to take an extra dose at night and now he is fighting that.It's all so crazy with this pdoc. I mean who's taking the med, him or me. It doesn't make me high at all, so way would I say it's wearing off too soon if it wasn't. It just means that I have more
rebound depression in the morning. I already went through that and settled it with oxycontin and now he is again saying your at the highest level, etc. etc. And I say what is the plan, and he has none.
I think it would have been better to start with methadone because the increases in doses would have been so much smaller and I could have started so low. I am taking 110mg, but the oxy had gotten me really high up in mg.Anyway, I am a wreak, I need a new pdoc, but yes, the methadone, even with this guy, is better than no opiates without this guy.
Keep us informed. After Christmas I hope to turn into a person again.
Shelli
Posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 14:49:33
In reply to Re: Morphine for depression. (how to find doc?) » jscottb, posted by judy1 on December 8, 2001, at 4:03:01
> If you are truly treatment resistant, you might try a mood disorder program at a University- many of them use opiates with their patients who don't respond to every other AD and combo. I suspect that people on this board have tried EVERYTHING with their docs and it was kind of a last resort. If you fall in that category, it's worth a shot in asking. As far as the prescription fraud goes, I see that as an effort to self- medicate, but a lot of docs won't. Take care, judy
Hi Judy.
It's always so good to see your name on the board, when you've been or I've been away for a little while. How is your detox going? When you have the baby, please check in and tell us (please?)
After the Christmas rush, I need to find a new pdoc. I would like to restart with opiates, and also find a better combination with my other meds. And I would like to get as far away as I can from my present pdoc who makes me feel sicker.
I don't know what you mean about universities using opiates as a last resort in their mood disorders program. Is this just a California thing--maybe moving over to the east coast in a few years? Any specifics on Universities?
If you feel comfortable to do this (and you have time) could you e-mail me at stacey1012km@yahoo.com so I could ask you for any leads you might have. If not, I have other people helping me with this also, so it's okay. I am just going to have to look and look. It's good that I'm already on methadone I think, and I'm not getting off until I find another pdoc to help me with my meds, even if it means going to another state. I would rather, find someone in my location first (washington, d.c. or baltimore md, or at least on the east coast. California might be my last option, but it is an option). I'm talking about the quality of my life, as you and everyone on this board understands.
Take care,
Shelli
Posted by Elizabeth on December 8, 2001, at 20:03:28
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » JahL, posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 14:31:27
> I don't know if there is much of a difference in how I feel between methadone and oxycontin. It's more that my doctor is telling me that it "should"
> last for at least 12 hours and it's lasting for only 8 hours.Methadone is given once daily to addicts on maintenance therapy, but for pain it's supposed to be given several times a day. I think that we're more like pain patients in that respect. (When bupe is used for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence, it's given once daily as well, but I need to take it every 4-6 hrs.)
-elizabeth
Posted by Elizabeth on December 8, 2001, at 20:05:13
In reply to Re:methadone for depression. (how to find doc?) » judy1, posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 14:49:33
> I don't know what you mean about universities using opiates as a last resort in their mood disorders program. Is this just a California thing--maybe moving over to the east coast in a few years? Any specifics on Universities?
I had mostly heard of it being done at Harvard, actually (that's how I originally got prescribed bupe, when I was living in Cambridge).
-e
Posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 20:28:52
In reply to Re: methadone for depression. (how to find doc?) » shelliR, posted by Elizabeth on December 8, 2001, at 20:05:13
> > I don't know what you mean about universities using opiates as a last resort in their mood disorders program. Is this just a California thing--maybe moving over to the east coast in a few years? Any specifics on Universities?
>
> I had mostly heard of it being done at Harvard, actually (that's how I originally got prescribed bupe, when I was living in Cambridge).
>
> -eHi Elizabeth,
Would I call Harvard if I was looking for a consultation, or Bodkin's group at McLean Hospital. How are the two connected?
Also, I am not doing well at all on the methadone; I went straight from a large dose of oxy to a large dose of methadone. I think my body is all mixed up. I feel sick; I am also very very anxious about finishing work stuff, although today I talked to family and friends who said I shouldn't try to finish everything--that I'm too close to unraveling (as my therapist calls it). My life is more important than my product, although I would like to keep as many commitments as possible. My instinct is to not go back to oxycontin if I am looking for a new doctor, that it will look better if I am on methadone. Do you think it matters, or that it would make no difference since both were physician prescribed for depression?
I want to detox from methadone and then either start again slowly, or try buprenorphine. The doctor at the hospital that I've worked with (on the dd unit), has detoxed patients from methadone to buprenorphine--and he said that pills are available and worked well. So I'm confused. Did the pills just become available in the US? He is willing to detox me, but then he wants me off the buprenorphine. I don't want to get into a "no more opiate" situation, or I would go into the hospital and get off the methadone.
I think that I have a better chance of finding a pdoc to work with me and use opiates if I am already on an opiate. Because then they are not liable for "addicting" me. (using the word ignorantly, don't freak :-) ) Do you agree?
Shelli
p.s., are you thinking about retrying effexor?
Posted by JahL on December 8, 2001, at 20:40:05
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » JahL, posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 14:31:27
> > I think Methadone low-dose is helping a little. Now I've got the green (in both senses of the word) light.......
>
> do you have enough of a source for you to be secure in knowing that if it works, it will be there for you?Ultimately, yes. When I get my ass into gear I'm pretty determined/resourceful. Actually, my er...pharmacist is on holiday at the mo' and I'm not going to raise the dose above 5ml until supply is g'teed for the foreseeable future. If I took the trouble to look, there are probably a few 'pharmacies' around.
> And will you see this guy again to see how the new med combo works? Is he still your doctor?
Doubt it. It was a one-off referral apparently and it seems my regular pdoc will administer his directions. Whenever he can get round to it. It would be too much to hope to see someone that good more than once. Since we hit it off I probably would've consulted him again but I've pretty much exhausted all the legal options (and many less than legal) he has at his disposal. A case of right person, wrong time.
> What does this mean: PS I'm still technically at the DP unit so I'll keep you abreast of any developments.
> Are you physically in the hospital, or does unit mean your file is still being kept in the huge bureaucratic UK system at a certain specialty and they may continue to treat you?The DP Unit is the Depersonalisation Unit at the Maudsley, which I am becoming increasingly aware of as being very psychotherapy (Eck!) orientated. I recently cancelled an appt (car crash) & they're *yet* to get back to me. F*ck 'em. No matter how bad my depression gets, I will *never* enter hospital. When I'm that bad the last thing I want is people round me (I think you're similar?). I only go to hospitals for 1 hr consultations and that's plenty for me.
> Its hard to translate the UK system from over here.Try and explain this. Yesterday, when I had run out of Lamotrigine, I put in an urgent request for a refill (to my GP - Primary Doc?). Just before the practise closed I got a scrap of paper saying "no Lamotrigine until confirmation from specialist" (even tho' he had prescribed it a no. of times previous). It would seem none of the *3* specialists had bothered to write and tell him I was on 400mg Lamot. This guy I had known for years was ready to abruptly pull me off high dose anti-seizure meds thus putting me at risk of dangerous seizure and w/o doubt plunging me into an acutely suicidal depression. I don't know whether I should forgive him for this. I quite like him but that was inexcusable. Grossly negligent perhaps.
I think someone in my family warned him to phone me; I had my 'gloves' & car keys & was about to drive down and show him what I think of people who put my life at risk (and I don't think that's exaggerating the case. As for my intentions I can't excuse them but I sometimes have a lethal temper >:-( ). Fortunately a half hour phone call sorted it and I'm still a free man :-)
> I don't know if there is much of a difference in how I feel between methadone and oxycontin. It's more that my doctor is telling me that it "should last for at least 12 hours and it's lasting for only 8 hours. And it was a bad time to switch because it's the busy season until christmas with my business. So with the oxy, he was allowing me to take an extra dose at night and now he is fighting that.I must thank you for suggesting spreading the dose; things seem quite calm and smooth. I thought it lasted 24hrs; whatever they say it is, it's probably less. I have a pet theory (actually I just this minute rolled a spliff and dreamt it up) that Methadone users are misinformed re: Methadone half-life so as to punish users for a couple of hours prior to their next dose for daring to be addicted to something that makes them feel good (H). I mean, who do they think they are??!
> It's all so crazy with this pdoc.Tell me about a pdoc who makes life simple and I'll call you a liar :)
> I mean who's taking the med, him or me. It doesn't make me high at all, so way would I say it's wearing off too soon if it wasn't. It just means that I have more rebound depression in the morning.
Doesn't Meth get you through the night? Do you get more rebound because you miss out on the immediate high you get from Oxy (do you have any idea what I'd give for a pot of that? If you think it's hard getting opiates in the States, try living over here. Opiate is an obscene word, especially after 'Dr Death' aka Dr Harold Shipman was found to have been addicted to PETHEDINE-Elizabeth, if you're reading, know anything about this one?-whilst murdering maybe 500 patients with Diamorphine. Even you insular Yanks ( :-) ) must have heard about this one a year or 2 ago.)?
>I already went through that and settled it with oxycontin and now he is again saying your at the highest level, etc. etc. And I say what is the plan, and he has none. I think it would have been better to start with methadone because the increases in doses would have been so much smaller and I could have started so low. I am taking 110mg, but the oxy had gotten me really high up in mg.
You mean start like I have? I guess you'd have to come off the opioids for a while to do that? Doesn't sound like an option for you...
Are you saying that yr present Meth dose doesn't get you through the day? I hope not cos that f***** should raise it to whatever feels comfortable. I don't think you can work that out on a bit of paper...> Anyway, I am a wreak, I need a new pdoc, but yes, the methadone, even with this guy, is better than no opiates without this guy.
Well that's something. I feel the same generally. The pdoc is almost a luxury so long as you get the meds *you* (& you only) know to help. That's the best thing to come out of this referral; I've basically got a regular pdoc who's been instructed to give me almost anything I want. I don't care for his opinion any more. It's thanks in great part to this board that I was able to convince the Good Professor that I was capable of running my own care (or at least more able than a provincial pdoc).
> Keep us informed.
You too.
>After Christmas I hope to turn into a person again.
I'm less hopeful for myself but that would be a great present 4 you.
J.
(sorry for the length-lack of a therapist to talk to y'see :) )
Posted by shelliR on December 9, 2001, at 0:21:54
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » shelliR, posted by JahL on December 8, 2001, at 20:40:05
> (sorry for the length-lack of a therapist to talk to y'see :) )
< g >,
shelli
Posted by Elizabeth on December 9, 2001, at 15:28:31
In reply to Re: methadone for depression. (how to find doc?) » Elizabeth, posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 20:28:52
> Would I call Harvard if I was looking for a consultation, or Bodkin's group at McLean Hospital. How are the two connected?
McLean is a private psychiatric teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School (it's where the story Girl, Interrupted took place). I don't know how you would go about getting a consultation appointment with someone who could help you; you could call McLean (617 855 2000) and ask if Dr. Bodkin would be willing to see you (I believe that he's not taking new patients, but he might be willing to see you if it were a one-time thing). Dr. Stoll (you know, the OmegaBrite guy) is another person at McLean who has published a report on the use of opioids for depression (see: Stoll AL, Rueter S. Treatment augmentation with opiates in severe and refractory major depression. Am J Psychiatry 1999 Dec; 156(12): 2017). My own psychiatrist in Cambridge, who went to HMS, did his residency at McLean, and for some time worked at McLean as the head of an adult inpatient unit (so his ideas and attitudes about psychopharmacology basically arise from the Harvard "culture"), also has used MSIR (morphine) successfully in one patient for depression, besides having prescribed bupe to me. (I found this especially surprising because his main interest is psychoanalysis, rather than psychopharmacology.)
> Also, I am not doing well at all on the methadone; I went straight from a large dose of oxy to a large dose of methadone.
They're similar in potency, I think, and there's going to be cross-tolerance regardless what opioid you try.
> I feel sick; I am also very very anxious about finishing work stuff, although today I talked to family and friends who said I shouldn't try to finish everything--that I'm too close to unraveling (as my therapist calls it).
That's worrisome. What do you mean when you say you feel "sick?" (more specifically, I mean?)
> My life is more important than my product, although I would like to keep as many commitments as possible.
Sometimes, I feel like in today's world, what you "produce" *is* your life. Pretty distressing thought.
> My instinct is to not go back to oxycontin if I am looking for a new doctor, that it will look better if I am on methadone.
I don't know how it will look; that depends a lot on who the looker is. Methadone is very strongly associated with addiction treatment, and it's the most strictly regulated drug that is legal to prescribe at all (which is probably why most doctors who are prescribing opioids for depression don't seem to be using it, even though medically it seems a more logical choice than oxycodone or morphine).
> Do you think it matters, or that it would make no difference since both were physician prescribed for depression?
A lot of times a doctor will refuse to honor another doctor's decision to prescribe an opioid to a psych patient and insist that you go off the opioid if they're to treat you. (Such a doctor will claim not to be interfering with your freedom of choice by doing this since presumably you can always find someone else who'll be willing to prescribe the opioid, but I think this is just a rationalization that allows them to feel like they're not doing anything wrong.) So I wouldn't count on it.
> I want to detox from methadone and then either start again slowly, or try buprenorphine.
Detoxing with buprenorphine (i.e., switching to bupe and then tapering off it) might actually be the best strategy -- with depression being an issue on top of the usual difficulty getting off opioids (and methadone withdrawal sx can last a *LONG* time), you might well find it impossible to get off methadone without having to go to the hospital again. Switching to bupe would be less disruptive; it has very little in the way of withdrawal symptoms, and from what I gather, addicts can often switch to it and then taper off relatively painlessly. The main difficulty would be finding the right dose of bupe to start with.
> The doctor at the hospital that I've worked with (on the dd unit), has detoxed patients from methadone to buprenorphine--and he said that pills are available and worked well.
Really? If you can find out more about this, I would be very interested to know what's up.
> So I'm confused. Did the pills just become available in the US?
Maybe; or maybe he's able to do it on an inpatient basis but can't prescribe it for outpatients for detox or maintenance. It's also possible that he has a supply obtained from abroad; I think there's a lot of red tape involved, but you can do that in a thoroughly legal fashion (as opposed to the internet "grey market" that currently exists).
> He is willing to detox me, but then he wants me off the buprenorphine. I don't want to get into a "no more opiate" situation, or I would go into the hospital and get off the methadone.
It's terrible to feel that doctors are trying to force you into a situation that you know would be bad for you, isn't it? :-( A lot of times, I think, doctors think they know better than you do what's in your best interests. More and more, patients (especially those who make an effort to educate themselves) are challenging that idea.
> I think that I have a better chance of finding a pdoc to work with me and use opiates if I am already on an opiate.
Agreed, although like I said, even then there's no guarantee that any particular doctor will be willing to work with you.
> p.s., are you thinking about retrying effexor?
Already started it: I'm on 75 mg of Effexor XR, intending to increase it as high as necessary. My hope is that the anticonvulsant will prevent another ?seizure? like I had last time I took Effexor (if I have another serotonin syndrome-like episode, adding Remeron might also be something to consider). My hope is that I'll find something (or some combination) that can help with the anergia-anhedonia that plagued me even when I was on Parnate and desipramine and wasn't in a full-blown depression, but that will be feasible to take long-term (bupe, because of the side effects, short duration of action, and unreliability (maybe due to the route of administration?), is probably not). That's what I need if I'm to get my life together again. It may end up meaning that I will always have to take bupe (or another opioid) on an as-needed basis, or that I will have to find a different opioid that doesn't cause the problems that I've had with bupe.
So, I'm hoping. I sort of feel like your fate and mine are tied together, and if we succeed, it might help open a door for other people like us who respond to opioids and not much else.
As always -- good luck.
-elizabeth
Posted by Elizabeth on December 9, 2001, at 16:04:58
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » shelliR, posted by JahL on December 8, 2001, at 20:40:05
Jahl, would you be interested in exchanging emails? I'm curious as to how you're going about getting treatment, although your methods may not be applicable to me here on the other side of the pond. I can't recall if we've ever written each other before, but I have a Yahoo account where you can write me if you're willing (cybersquid_400@yahoo.com). I agree with your self-assessment -- you can be pretty resourceful and clever -- and I wonder if maybe you could help me figure out what to do about my own situation.
> The DP Unit is the Depersonalisation Unit at the Maudsley, which I am becoming increasingly aware of as being very psychotherapy (Eck!) orientated.
As you've probably noticed, I share your gag reflex toward talk therapy. I also feel bad for you about the troubles you've run into with red tape and bureaucrats and policies and so forth -- I've had similar troubles many times. I *hate* dealing with bureaucrats. And it's so hard to advocate for yourself and make sure your rights are respected when you're depressed, isn't it?
> I must thank you for suggesting spreading the dose; things seem quite calm and smooth. I thought it lasted 24hrs; whatever they say it is, it's probably less.
The dosing schedule for methadone is different depending on what it's being used for. According to the U.S. labelling, pain patients should take it every 3-4 hours. In contrast, addicts on maintenance therapy usually only need it once a day. (I've heard of cases where it wore off before the next morning and people couldn't get a take-home dose from the clinic. Being a regular psych patient can be hell, but I can only imagine how awful it must be for drug addicts. They're treated as though they're sub-human, or at the very best, the worst sort of criminals.)
So the question is, are depressives more like pain patients or MMT patients in their opioid dosing requirements? FWIW, I can tell you that I need to take bupe several times a day, whereas I believe that it's used once daily when it's given to addicts for maintenance therapy.
> I have a pet theory (actually I just this minute rolled a spliff and dreamt it up) that Methadone users are misinformed re: Methadone half-life so as to punish users for a couple of hours prior to their next dose for daring to be addicted to something that makes them feel good (H). I mean, who do they think they are??!
Usually once a day is enough, actually. But (see above) for people who need it more often, it can be really awful.
> If you think it's hard getting opiates in the States, try living over here.
I know that it's hard to get benzos in the UK; I wasn't sure about opioids. Here, a lot of doctors still refer to them as "narcotics." That says it all for me.
> Opiate is an obscene word, especially after 'Dr Death' aka Dr Harold Shipman was found to have been addicted to PETHEDINE-Elizabeth, if you're reading, know anything about this one?-whilst murdering maybe 500 patients with Diamorphine. Even you insular Yanks ( :-) ) must have heard about this one a year or 2 ago.)?
I actually don't know that story, no. I often lapse in following national news, let alone international. What exactly was the deal?
(BTW, U.S. readers might not recognize some of the drug names you use. Pethidine is what in the U.S. is called meperidine or Demerol -- a very short-acting opioid, not useful for our purposes; and diamorphine is of course diacetylmorphine, better known as heroin.)
> You mean start like I have? I guess you'd have to come off the opioids for a while to do that?
Yes. And from what I know, methadone can be VERY hard to get off of (especially at high doses) because the w/d, while not as intense as what you'd get from quitting heroin, goes on for an excruciatingly long time.
> Well that's something. I feel the same generally. The pdoc is almost a luxury so long as you get the meds *you* (& you only) know to help.
I know; it's so frustrating that many pdocs don't seem to believe that you know what your own subjective experience is better than they do!
> > After Christmas I hope to turn into a person again.
>
> I'm less hopeful for myself but that would be a great present 4 you.This is the fifth Christmas in a row that I've found myself wishing for the same present.
Best wishes to you.
-elizabeth
Posted by judy1 on December 9, 2001, at 16:56:56
In reply to Re:methadone for depression. (how to find doc?) » judy1, posted by shelliR on December 8, 2001, at 14:49:33
Hi Shelli,
I'm glad Elizabeth was able to provide you with a lead on the East coast; my pdoc came out of a program at UCLA. Perhaps I'm being naiive, but I would hope if you had your records showing how well you respond to opiates and how treatment-resistant you were to standard AD treatment, some pdoc would be open to your regime. To save time I would often call the Psychiatry Dept at a U (I've spoken to someone at Hopkins, so they must have a mood disorders program) and ask to speak to the Director or author of the paper that Elizabeth mentioned. I've really been successful for some reason, maybe I sound pathetic. I also have gotten opiates on-line (PillBox) when desperate- but it's expensive and I, like the rest on this thread, would prefer to be under a dr's care. I've been very successful in my tapering, anxiety that is treated with benzos and depression- I've gotten Actiq, a short acting fentanyl lonzenge (thanks Elizabeth) for emergency use. I'm a believer in therapy, sometimes 3x/week. When I have my baby (thank you for asking), I'll ask Dr. Bob if I can post a picture :-). I wish you all the best, and if you want me to e-mail alternatives to getting opiates, I'll be happy to. Take care of yourself, judy
Posted by Lorraine on December 10, 2001, at 19:18:06
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » JahL, posted by Elizabeth on December 9, 2001, at 16:04:58
Elizabeth:
Haven't posted to you for a while, but do think of you often. Just wanted to chime in that I think you are a remarkably fine person already and I can't imagine what type of person you would evolve into if you get your wish (other than a happier person:-). Anyway, wanted to let you know that your advice on this board has been invaluable to me and many others.
Lorraine
> > > After Christmas I hope to turn into a person again.
> >
> > I'm less hopeful for myself but that would be a great present 4 you.
>
> This is the fifth Christmas in a row that I've found myself wishing for the same present.
>
> Best wishes to you.
>
> -elizabeth
Posted by Elizabeth on December 10, 2001, at 20:15:55
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » Elizabeth, posted by Lorraine on December 10, 2001, at 19:18:06
Lorraine --
**blush**
Thanks. I do what I can. It's *really* nice to feel appreciated.
best wishes & happy holidays
-elizabeth
Posted by Lorraine on December 10, 2001, at 20:17:37
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » JahL, posted by shelliR on December 9, 2001, at 0:21:54
Shelli:
Just checking in to see how you are doing and wondering what decisions you are leaning towards. Remember that you are a great person and have helped me immeasurably when things have been tough. I hope that things become easier for you soon. I'm glad to read all of the great advice you have been getting.
Lorraine
Posted by JahL on December 11, 2001, at 19:45:30
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » JahL, posted by Elizabeth on December 9, 2001, at 16:04:58
> Jahl, would you be interested in exchanging emails?
Hi Elizabeth. Yeah, definitely. I'll set up a free email a/c. Bear in mind it takes me a couple of days to do anything.
>- you can be pretty resourceful and clever --
and may I say what a fine judge of character you are :)
>and I wonder if maybe you could help me figure out what to do about my own situation.
Seriously, I doubt there's much me & my dilapitated brain could tell She Who Knows Everything Medical. But there's probably something to be gained (certainly on my part) from exchanging experiences & whatnot. There's only so much you can say here...
> > very psychotherapy (Eck!) orientated.
> As you've probably noticed, I share your gag reflex toward talk therapy.Yeah, I thought I had a sympathetic audience on this thread. I won't talk to psychotherapists on principle; I despise them for reinforcing the publicly held notion that people with serious mental illness can cure themselves if only they would *try*. I'd like to see them try. They frequently hock their unscientific treatments on the back of benzo- and opiophobia thus making life more difficult for the likes of you and me who are seeking a *legitimate* (if unconvential) treatment. Anyway, enough of that. I'll start a debate off if I'm not careful.
> I *hate* dealing with bureaucrats. And it's so hard to advocate for yourself and make sure your rights are respected when you're depressed, isn't it?
I've made this point to pdocs many times. What happens to those who are too depressed to advocate for themselves in the way I (just about) am able to? What happens to those who are w/o a decent education or who have no net access? They're often consigned to rot in brain-corroding 'day-care' centers, with no discernable treatment plan.
> Being a regular psych patient can be hell, but I can only imagine how awful it must be for drug addicts. They're treated as though they're sub-human, or at the very best, the worst sort of criminals.)
Yeah, that's kinda the point of my theory. When I refer to Methadone 'users' I mean Heroin addicts; I wasn't aware Methadone was used for pain here in the UK (if it is, they're not telling. And why, when a respectable businessman and I had identical hand tendon operations, did he get different coloured painkillers to me ?!?! Hmmm..). Users have to queue up each day for their little bottle of salvation and be thankful it lasts as long as it does...
> So the question is, are depressives more like pain patients or MMT patients in their opioid dosing requirements? FWIW, I can tell you that I need to take bupe several times a day, whereas I believe that it's used once daily when it's given to addicts for maintenance therapy.Interesting. In the same way, for me Methadone *seems* to work better if taken as for pain.
> > I have a pet theory (actually I just this minute rolled a spliff and dreamt it up) that Methadone users are misinformed re: Methadone half-life so as to punish users for a couple of hours prior to their next dose for daring to be addicted to something that makes them feel good (H). I mean, who do they think they are??!
> I know that it's hard to get benzos in the UK; I wasn't sure about opioids. Here, a lot of doctors still refer to them as "narcotics." That says it all for me.Yeah, the couple of times I have vainly brought up the idea of opioids I have been asked "You mean Heroin?" [writes on notes : 'DRUG ABUSER'].
> > Opiate is an obscene word, especially after 'Dr Death' aka Dr Harold Shipman was found to have been addicted to PETHEDINE-Elizabeth, if you're reading, know anything about this one?-whilst murdering maybe 500 patients with Diamorphine. Even you insular Yanks ( :-) ) must have heard about this one a year or 2 ago.)?
>
> I actually don't know that story, no.I actually meant do you know about Pethidene :-). Since you ask...the guy started out as a GP (community doc) and soon developed a penchant for Pethidene. Later his habit was discovered but he was allowed to continue handling opiates. Anyway, soon after graduating he administered a lethal dose of Diamorphine to an elderly lady patient and pronounced her dead (cardiac arrest). This set the pattern for the following 25 years in which it is thought he murdered some 500 patients (nearly all female, elderly & living alone). He made regular house calls and it was on these that he would generally administer his lethal injections. Apparently he liked 'playing god'. Post-mortems never tested for Morphine (which of course he knew).
It was only a couple of years ago that a local registrar checked the records and realised the senior citizen death rate at his surgery was twice the ntl. average! He is w/o doubt this country's 'greatest' serial killer. When they searched his house they found a *2 litre* (!) stockpile of Diamorphine. All the ammo the govt. needs to further tighten controls...and punish people like myself.
> (BTW, U.S. readers might not recognize some of the drug names you use. Pethidine is what in the U.S. is called meperidine or Demerol -- a very short-acting opioid, not useful for our purposes; and diamorphine is of course diacetylmorphine, better known as heroin.)Opiate information of any kind (except the kind that tells you how many years in prison possession will earn you) is obviously Classified in the UK going by my web search. It's as if they don't exist. I *think* the following could be 'available' (ironic I know) here:
P,SL Buprenorphine (1)
O Codeine (5)
R Dextromoramide (2)
Dextropropoxyphene?
O,P Diamorphine (2)
O,P Dihydrocodeine (1)
O Dipipanone (1)
O Dipipanone & cyclizine 10mg/30mg 4 tablets new July 2000
Topical Fentanyl patches (50mcg) (3)
O Meptazinol (1)
O,P,R Morphine hydrochloride (2)
O,P,R Morphine sulphate (2)
P Nalbuphine (1)
R Oxycodone 90 mg new July 2000
O,P Pentazocine (2)
O Phenazocine 20 mg new July 2000
O Pethidine (1)
O Tramadol (1)See anything you like? :-P DEXTROMORAMIDE (Palfium) & DIPIPANONE (Diconal)-"Pinkies"-seem to be the main ones. Any thoughts?
> I know; it's so frustrating that many pdocs don't seem to believe that you know what your own subjective experience is better than they do!
Don't get me started...
> > > After Christmas I hope to turn into a person again.
> This is the fifth Christmas in a row that I've found myself wishing for the same present.
Let's hope St. Nick gets his act together.
Take care,
J.
Posted by Elizabeth on December 11, 2001, at 21:21:19
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » Elizabeth, posted by JahL on December 11, 2001, at 19:45:30
> Hi Elizabeth. Yeah, definitely. I'll set up a free email a/c. Bear in mind it takes me a couple of days to do anything.
Heh, I can identify with you there!
> and may I say what a fine judge of character you are :)
Flattery will get me everywhere, right?
> Seriously, I doubt there's much me & my dilapitated brain could tell She Who Knows Everything Medical. But there's probably something to be gained (certainly on my part) from exchanging experiences & whatnot. There's only so much you can say here...
Well, aside from the fact that I am far from Knowing Everything Medical, the problem I'm having lately isn't exactly a medical problem -- it's more of a problem with medical people.
> > As you've probably noticed, I share your gag reflex toward talk therapy.
>
> Yeah, I thought I had a sympathetic audience on this thread. I won't talk to psychotherapists on principle; I despise them for reinforcing the publicly held notion that people with serious mental illness can cure themselves if only they would *try*. I'd like to see them try.I can only assume that they make that claim to try to rationalize their failure to cure us.
> Anyway, enough of that. I'll start a debate off if I'm not careful.
Debates are fine. Even arguments are okay. It's fights and flame-wars that I could do without. :-}
> I've made this point to pdocs many times. What happens to those who are too depressed to advocate for themselves in the way I (just about) am able to? What happens to those who are w/o a decent education or who have no net access? They're often consigned to rot in brain-corroding 'day-care' centers, with no discernable treatment plan.
That's true. But even if you are educated, even if you can (at least sometimes) advocate for yourself, I think a lot of physicians believe that patients' rights aren't important -- they know what's best for us, and that's the final word.
> Users have to queue up each day for their little bottle of salvation and be thankful it lasts as long as it does...
That's the situation here too. I hear things in the Netherlands are different.
> Interesting. In the same way, for me Methadone *seems* to work better if taken as for pain.
IOW, it doesn't really last all day. So we have our answer.
> Since you ask...the guy started out as a GP (community doc) and soon developed a penchant for Pethidene.
I'm told that IV Demerol is very impressive, although short-lasting (and that Demerol is nothing special when taken orally).
> See anything you like? :-P DEXTROMORAMIDE (Palfium) & DIPIPANONE (Diconal)-"Pinkies"-seem to be the main ones. Any thoughts?
Yeah: I don't know what either of those is (although I think I've heard of Diconal someplace)!
> Let's hope St. Nick gets his act together.
Maybe he's suffering from anergic depression. That would explain a lot.
-e
Posted by judy1 on December 12, 2001, at 10:01:04
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » Elizabeth, posted by JahL on December 11, 2001, at 19:45:30
I don't want to start WWIII here, but I'm just curious about your feelings towards psychotherapy. I have had nothing but positive experiences with therapy, particularly psychologists, but I could tell some horror stories about psychiatrists. For me I could not get better w/o the meds and the support of therapy (especially now). I'm sorry you've had such negative experiences. Take care, judy
Posted by JahL on December 12, 2001, at 13:39:47
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression., posted by judy1 on December 12, 2001, at 10:01:04
> I don't want to start WWIII here, but I'm just curious about your feelings towards psychotherapy. I have had nothing but positive experiences with therapy, particularly psychologists, but I could tell some horror stories about psychiatrists.
Hi Judy.
No horror stories as such.
I think maybe it comes down to the nature of yr disorder. I've suffered from this disease (BPII) my entire life and know emphatically that there is absolutely no environmental aspect to it whatsoever. All I need are drugs to correct whatever form of biological dysfunction it is I suffer from. What I don't need are well-meaning but ultimately ignorant (ie no medical training) folk *standing in the way* of me and my medications (and therefore impeding my chances of remission). They do this by insisting there is a psychological bent to my disorder (therefore medication not required and so is*denied* me by my GP). I've been told it's all in my head, that my expectations are too high, that I am one of life's 'malcontentes', that I don't try enough; you get the picture. I've even had my Mum's parenting skills questioned (because she suffers from the same biological disorder as I)-something I take exception to. The psych in Q profusely apologised the week after he had met my mother (and had to eat humble pie), but by then had had enough time to cook up yet another off-the-wall theory about why I am the way I am (er...genetics possibly?). They don't seem to appreciate that what I (we) suffer from is so much more than just 'sadness'. That doesn't begin to describe BP.This is typical of my experience of therapists. Despise is probably too strong a word but it does accurately describe my feelings, distorted tho' they are. I am sure, in fact know, that they do a lot of good work and help a great deal of people. I just wish they'd restrict their help to those that want it and not interfere in medical matters in which their input is irrelevant and often distracting and misleading.
I have a very dysphoric type of depression; to the eternal disbelief of therapists, in general I don't enjoy the company of people and don't want to talk about 'it'. In fact I don't want to talk about anything unrelated to me getting well (it just doesn't interest me). This is the only board I've ever posted on. Talking to a therapist will have no bearing on my health and so there is no point.
I kinda resent the fact that they promise the world, pry extensively into your life and then, for me at least, deliver nothing. Except 2 wasted (and intensely boring) years. I've met many therapists over the years and I found a good number, in particular the more senior men, to be incredibly smug, like they and they alone have 'the answer' (as if).
Like Elizabeth, if I *do* want to talk, I have a good 'social support network' (is that what they call it?) and I am also fortunate enough to have had a good upbringing; my head is largely free of misconceptions and 'issues'. I'm v. lucky in this regard.
I won't get into the issue of causality and how confusing it can be for therapists (Them: "You're depressed *because* you don't go out anymore". Me: "No, I don't go out anymore because I'm acutely depressed, do not feel sociable and have felt this way my entire life. What would be the point of going out if I don't enjoy myself?". They tend not to like rational replies like this :-) )
Anyway, this is screaming to be redirected to PSB (which I naturally steer clear of :-) ) so I'll end it here. To borrow from the therapist parlance, this is a 'triggering' subject for me; it winds me up. I don't think I'd have any problem with therapists if they just confessed that what they principally do is *support* people, not cure them. My opinion does change however when we start talking child abuse, extreme trauma etc. I can't begin to understand this area and I assume a therapist would. Like Elizabeth I feel many people could benefit from counselling; I just don't see why depressives *specifically* need it, why it's forced upon them (it does't follow that if you have depression it's because your thought processes are 'wrong' [to use 'their' technical jargon]). I know dozens of people who are 'well' but nonetheless have something of a tenuous grip on reality and basically need a good talking to.
Remember, and this is is significant, I'm talking about the UK NHS here, where therapy is often forced upon patients who neither want nor need it. If they refuse, they're branded know-alls, egoists & trouble-makers and further treatment is often restricted. This kind of system breeds resentment such as mine. Therapy in the US would seem to be something of a different beast...
>For me I could not get better w/o the meds and the support of therapy (especially now).
That's good. One less reason to hate 'em :)
>Take care
And you,
J
Posted by Elizabeth on December 12, 2001, at 16:03:12
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » judy1, posted by JahL on December 12, 2001, at 13:39:47
> I think maybe it comes down to the nature of yr disorder. I've suffered from this disease (BPII) my entire life and know emphatically that there is absolutely no environmental aspect to it whatsoever.
Me too, and I *really* don't like it when "talk therapy" types try to blame my parents for my problems. It's bad enough that they stigmatize *me* for my illness. My parents -- despite the fact that they both suffer from milder versions of the problems that I have -- have done a better job raising me than most parents do (I didn't really start to appreciate them until I started noticing how awful most other people's parents are!) and they are *not* at fault for my illness.
> All I need are drugs to correct whatever form of biological dysfunction it is I suffer from.
At this point, I need more than that, but I've found that talk-therapy isn't the answer. But what I really need is some help getting back on my feet. Sitting and talking about my feelings does not help with this.
> What I don't need are well-meaning but ultimately ignorant (ie no medical training) folk *standing in the way* of me and my medications (and therefore impeding my chances of remission). They do this by insisting there is a psychological bent to my disorder (therefore medication not required and so is*denied* me by my GP).
I think that the problem lies in a sort of black-and-white thinking that pervades psychology and psychiatry -- either you have a "biological" disorder (a "real" disease) or a "psychological" one (in which case we get into blaming the victim, or her parents). This is a fallacy. The "mind" is produced by the brain; it's not some separate, insubstantial entity.
But getting back to the world of therapies, I just wish for people charged with my care to listen to me and believe me when I say that talk therapy (of all sorts) has not done me any good. I know better than they do what my experience has been, after all -- at least, that seems obvious to me.
> They don't seem to appreciate that what I (we) suffer from is so much more than just 'sadness'.
Yes. And they almost invariably have never suffered from depression or any other such disorder themselves. They think they can understand what we go through, but they can't because it's just so far removed from their experience. And they aren't willing to admit to their ignorance (or even to the *possibility* that they don't really know what's going on with us).
> I just wish they'd restrict their help to those that want it and not interfere in medical matters in which their input is irrelevant and often distracting and misleading.
I'd say the effect of it can be worse than that: being faulted for what is essentially an illness that we've had all our lives can be extremely damaging to our self-esteem. Undoing this damage is something that perhaps a talk-therapist could help with -- if I were able to find one I could trust.
> Like Elizabeth, if I *do* want to talk, I have a good 'social support network' (is that what they call it?)
I call it "family and friends," personally.
> and I am also fortunate enough to have had a good upbringing; my head is largely free of misconceptions and 'issues'. I'm v. lucky in this regard.
Me too.
> I won't get into the issue of causality and how confusing it can be for therapists (Them: "You're depressed *because* you don't go out anymore". Me: "No, I don't go out anymore because I'm acutely depressed, do not feel sociable and have felt this way my entire life. What would be the point of going out if I don't enjoy myself?". They tend not to like rational replies like this :-) )
I think a lot of it has to do with lack of education and perhaps limited intelligence. A social worker, for example, may not even *understand* a lot of what you're saying. And on the other hand, psychologists (and some of the more talk-oriented psychiatrists) may understand, or at least think they understand, but think they know better than you what's going on in your head.
> To borrow from the therapist parlance, this is a 'triggering' subject for me; it winds me up.
See, this is the sense in which, IMO, trying to force people into talk therapy when they've found it unhelpful or even hurtful, is not only useless, it is actively harmful.
> I don't think I'd have any problem with therapists if they just confessed that what they principally do is *support* people, not cure them.
Me neither.
> Like Elizabeth I feel many people could benefit from counselling; I just don't see why depressives *specifically* need it, why it's forced upon them (it does't follow that if you have depression it's because your thought processes are 'wrong' [to use 'their' technical jargon]).
Well, "depression" covers a wide range of conditions. Let's say "primary depression" when we mean the medical condition -- depression that isn't the "result" of some kind of bad experience or whatever, it's just there; our emotions don't quite work right.
> I know dozens of people who are 'well' but nonetheless have something of a tenuous grip on reality and basically need a good talking to.
Heh. That's true too, and it doesn't mean that what they have is a disease. Talking doesn't cure diseases.
> Remember, and this is is significant, I'm talking about the UK NHS here, where therapy is often forced upon patients who neither want nor need it.
In the US, talk therapy is often forced on patients too, although the coercion is more subtle: for example, a psychiatrist refuses to treat you with medication unless you're in talk therapy.
> If they refuse, they're branded know-alls, egoists & trouble-makers and further treatment is often restricted.
The irony is that the arrogance is coming from the professionals who think they know better than we do what's in our best interests, not from the patients, who genuinely do want to get better.
("doesn't really want to get better" is another stigmatizing label that's often branded on patients who don't "cooperate" with ineffective treatment plans)
-elizabeth
Posted by judy1 on December 12, 2001, at 17:27:36
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » JahL, posted by Elizabeth on December 12, 2001, at 16:03:12
I think I understand why you feel so negative Jah and I appreciate you sharing the reasons. I, too, suffer from bipolar 1 and panic disorders, but trauma from child abuse which unfortunately has no medication to help. My therp and pdoc talk weekly and my therp has never given her opinion either way when it comes to meds. (Even though that's a pretty hot topic in the U.S. now- giving psychologists the right to prescribe meds). My pdoc also does therapy, so we're talking a minimum of 2 hrs/wk here, but again I benefit greatly. I want to add that I went through 15 psychiatrists before I was able to find one who genuinely cares about me getting better and is willing to listen to my therapist's opinions. There are no ego games here, I must be one of the fortunate few. Anyway, stopped Duragesic, and take Actiq when I have to- the world's greatest lollipop. Hope you both feel better for the holidays- judy
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 12, 2001, at 20:59:41
In reply to Re: Methadone for depression. » judy1, posted by JahL on December 12, 2001, at 13:39:47
> Anyway, this is screaming to be redirected to PSB (which I naturally steer clear of :-) ) so I'll end it here.
Discussion about therapy should in fact be redirected there, thanks. :-)
Bob
PS: Do people feel it's "bad" to be redirected? No one should. It doesn't mean I want the discussion to end, just that I'd rather have it move to (continue on) a different board. Hmm, if you want to respond to that, please redirect your reply to Psycho-Babble Administration. :-)
Posted by shellir on December 23, 2001, at 22:39:28
In reply to Re: Morphine for depression. » Lorraine, posted by shelliR on November 16, 2001, at 12:30:36
Lorraine, just hoping you are okay and have not answered my other post because you are busy or away for the holidays. Posted earlier to you but I know on this thread you'll get an e-mail, so I'm just trying to connect again.
shelli
Posted by Lorraine on December 24, 2001, at 15:31:45
In reply to Re: trying to catch up with Lorraine » shelliR, posted by shellir on December 23, 2001, at 22:39:28
Sorry, Shelli. I'm OK. Just screaming busy. (12 people for dinner tomorrow; sick cat; meds in flux). I'll try to find your other post. I just haven't been checking in. I haven't used the email notify option. (You can alway email me privately.) I hope all is well with you and the season passes painlessly.
Lorraine
> Lorraine, just hoping you are okay and have not answered my other post because you are busy or away for the holidays. Posted earlier to you but I know on this thread you'll get an e-mail, so I'm just trying to connect again.
>
> shelli
Posted by reese1 on October 24, 2002, at 17:59:04
In reply to Re: Methadone/opiates for depression » Elizabeth, posted by nightlight on November 20, 2001, at 7:54:32
what is the typical dosage a pdoc will give of oxycontin for severe problematic depression
it has been fifteen years, ten hospitals and nothing has helped. i'm only 34 and i'm running out of time.
i have been on percocets. nothing.
vicoden nothing.
oxycotin at 20 or 40 mg was very very helpfulhow do you go about explaining this to a doct
who works with opiates. i have an appt nov 1thank you anyone everyone and all
i am so scared that i will get a prescription for
10mg 2 x aday which i know will do nothing but leave me crying from when i wake up till when i go to bed and on my free time walking around from
room to room, from circle to cirlce without stop.
Posted by Chuckie on October 30, 2003, at 15:10:05
In reply to elizabeth about dosing on opiates/ anyone » nightlight, posted by reese1 on October 24, 2002, at 17:59:04
Hey Reese, I'm sorry I can't be much help, I just didn't want you to think nobody is listening.
I'm a new member and up until now I've just been browsing this board, gleaning as much info as I can.
There is probably no pat answer for your question. At least, I haven't seen any. Some have suggested universities. Personally, I'm in a struggle convincing my own Doc to give me *any* opiates.
I only recently discovered the connection between pain medication and depression relief. Actually I only recently acknowledged it; I probably already knew it but I was in denial. The stigma is such that I didn't admit even to myself that I was taking pain meds for anything other than pain.
It was the discussions on this board that made the connection for me. I cried when I saw all the stories so similar to mine.
There have also apparently been some discussions here that were less than supportive. FYI, just so you don't read them and feel bad about yourself. (Unless you really *are* a drug abuser looking for some way to rationalize your habit and/or get more drugs for your monkey, or something like that, in which case you should feel bad.) I haven't seen those discussions, I've just seen references to them. It's probably best to ignore them.
It's probably *not* best to ignore the possibility of addiction or dependence. Be VERY concerned for your long-term health. Be mindful of the consequences of relying on a chemical that can be taken away from you at any time.
Anyway...
After I found this board, I did as much research as I could, and printed it all out for my doc. I also included a bunch of posts from this board, as anecdotal evidence that yes, opiate treatment helps some people with depression.
Here's a few links:
Opioid as Antidepressant
http://balder.prohosting.com/~adhpage/bupe.html
(This is the infamous buprenorphine study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. I also have it saved to disk because I think it's the only full text on the Web.)Bupenorphine for Depression (Editorial):
http://www.sciencething.org/Callaway.pdfAnd a blurb on Tramadol/Depression:
http://opioids.com/tramadol/tramadol.html
...even though it's not properly an opioid, but has similar properties.There was a study on cyclazocine:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=4903692
...but I can't find the text.Here's a paper acknowledging the connection, but not really saying anything useful:
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/9740/antimanicevidence.htmlAnd here's a study that shows how opiates might be helpful for depressed rats:
http://www.elsevier.nl/gej-ng/10/33/33/53/43/31/article.html=======
All of which I used for supporting evidence that it's not as crazy as it sounds, and that I really was getting depression relief from narcotic analgesics. Unfortunately with the limited research on the subject, anecdotal support really is the most convincing. The problem is that it's anecdodal. I think my Doc believes me, sorta, but there's always that skepticism and of course, the DEA.
I felt I had a good chance for getting relief with the mixed agonist/antagonist medications, as in theory a Doc should be more inclined to prescribe something with a lower potential for abuse, (and in some cases, less restrictive scheduling.) However, I only researched medications for efficacy and approprateness. I don't know how much any of it costs, or how it's dispensed. E.g. I gather that bupenorphine is VERY expensive, and is an injection. This does me no good, so probably not you either.
You're gonna have extreme difficulty getting that much oxycontin, even if you have pain. Unless you know Rush's doctor? It's too bad you can't get relief from something less high-profile. I think you're asking a lot. But I wish you luck.
I think the keys are honesty, communication, and a willingness to fight for your life. I could be mistaken; my Doc has prescribed tramadol because he obviously doesn't want to presribe narcotics without trying something else first. It's not working, and it makes me feel yucky. And, now that I've admitted to using pain pills for something other than pain, I don't know if he can or will prescribe them to me again. Although I do have a legit injury that causes me chronic pain.
Again, the keys are open communication and honesty. Probably perseverance too, although I completely understand if you're short of that. That said, if honesty fails, I'd advise you to do whatever you need to do to save your life. You have a right to that.
Just be sure you always remain honest with yourself, so you do the right thing for yourself, and not talk yourself into doing something potentially very, very, bad for yourself.
Posted by Aurora on October 30, 2003, at 22:36:22
In reply to Re: elizabeth about dosing on opiates/ anyone, posted by Chuckie on October 30, 2003, at 15:10:05
Dear Chuckie and "reese1" (posted on October 24, 2002 "elizabeth about dosing on opiates/anyone")
I'm a new member and can share new information on buprenorphine. It is now available in sublingual tablet form, under the trade name of Suboxone (a 4:1 combination of buprenorphine and naloxone). Naloxone has no clinical effect when taken sublingually as directed--but if made into solution and injected, it induces immediate painful opiate withdrawal. Naloxone was added to prevent diversion to the street as a cash drug, and has been very successful in these first 9 months, according to the DEA.
A wealth of information is available on the government's website: www.buprenorphine.samhsa.gov including a "Physician Locator". Also, you can call 1-877-SUBOXONE and clinical staff will answer your questions.
The FDA's indication is for treatment of opioid dependence, so you may need to educate your physician regarding treatment for depression with the clinical article's in Chuckie's posting of 10/30/03. A University of California psychiatrist (director of that UC's Dept. of Psychiatry), said he anticipates their greatest use of Suboxone will be for treatment of depression, not opioid dependence or pain (other possible uses). He had read the 1996 editorial published in "Biological Psychiatry", entitled "Buprenorphine for Depression: The Un-adoptable Orphan", which Chuckie included in his 10/30/03 posting. He said buprenorphine apparently has a very fast onset of AD action (2-4 hours) and with insurance companies' pressure for fast discharges from the hospital, it could be helpful both to patients (faster relief) and insurance companies (shorter hospital stays). He would then taper patients off buprenorphine (Suboxone) after a few weeks when their conventional AD had time to take effect.
The tablets come in 2 mg and 8 mg and it's once-a-day dosing (half-life ranges from 37-92 hours). It's probably too early to know what the average dosing is for depression (range is 4-32 mg for opioid dependence). Bottom line is: dose to effect. As a partial mu opioid agonist, buprenorpohine has a ceiling effect: taken alone, overdosing will not result in respiratory lethality, unlike full opioid agonists.
Another psychiatrist has successfully treated two patients with treatment resistant depression using Suboxone. They had tried everything. Nothing had worked. They had very fast results with Suboxone and have been on it about three months.
Obviously there is no one medication for everyone. Suboxone is working from some, and it's helpful to have another option when there are patients who haven't received relief from existing medications, or who have had incomplete response with an AD.
I hope this may be helpful to some. In any case, never give up your search for a successful treatment. As long as there's life, there's hope. We have to care enough about ourselves to keep trying. After decades of struggling with major depression, I met a pdoc I trusted and finally agreed to try ADs (since exercizing alone wasn't enough). It took trials on five ADs before I found the one right for me, and two years later, I needed to add Provigil for energy. It's a whole new life. I feel grateful and blessed--definitely worth the long journey.
Sending wishes for your healing,
Aurora
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