Posted by Jerrympls on September 23, 2002, at 23:32:52
In reply to Opioids and Depression, posted by BrittPark on September 23, 2002, at 20:05:59
Britt-
The use of opiates for treatment resistant depression is not common -but it's not uncommon either. A psychiatrist from Tufts university told me that the use of opiates such as Vicodin is reserved in the "last resort" category - but they ARE used and those with treatment resistant depression respond very well.
I have been on Vicodin for a couple weeks due to a painful surgucal procedure I hadd done. The vicodin almost acts as a stimulant - but doesn't make me high. I almost feel normal - better sense of well being - less anxiety - less social phobia - better sleep - laughing -listening to music, etc...
I wish I could point you to specific studies because I know there are some good ones out there pertaining to this particular subject..
You must have a wonderful doc--and an intelligent one - for him to go ahead with the Vicodin. I've found there i s aHUGE difference between the nervous, paranoid pdocs and the intelligent psychopharmocologist docs who know how to use meds and aren't afraid to use them.
The "serotonin" hyothesis of depression is slowly, but surely, going out of style - in favor for polymonoamine thepories - meaning, researchers are finally seeing that the endogenous opioid system, monoamine system (serotonin, NE, and dopamine), adrenal system (including cortisol) are all contributors of mood/emotion and work in symbiosis. From what I have researched, docs are finally understanding that serotonin imbalances are the beginning - not the end.
If I find some research examples I'll post.
Hope this helps. Feel free to email me
Jerry
slateman@mn.rr.com
poster:Jerrympls
thread:120871
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020922/msgs/120890.html