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Meds: Addiction vs. Medical Dependence

Posted by simcha on August 22, 2010, at 23:59:39

OK, I know this is an old topic. And I saw that the substance use board has been moved back onto this board (I think) so I hope that this is in the right place. I just want to have this discussion to see what others are thinking these days. I haven't been around here in years so I don't know many of you yet.

I am medically dependent on Sotalol to keep my heart rate at a normal rate. Without it my heart can race at 160bpm. I wouldn't call this addiction.

I'm medically dependent on BuproprionXL and Cymbalta. Even though I'm depressed again, I know it would be much worse without these meds. I still haven't reached my all time low with depression since I've been taking anti-depressants. I don't feel like I'm addicted to my anti-depressants.

I'd say I'm medically dependent on Clonazepam at 0.5mg per night. It is the only thing that has worked for my restless legs syndrome, honestly. I did a good run of Neurontin (Gabapentin) for years so I wouldn't be on a benzo but it didn't work. For me quitting Clonazepam, which I took for years at 1mg per night for restless legs, was easy. I just followed the taper schedule and had no real cravings or side effects. Of course I was ramping up on Neurontin at the same time so I don't know if that was a factor. However, if I miss a dose these days for a night or two I do get my restless legs back but I don't feel like I'm fiending for Clonazepam. I don't have any of the withdrawal symptoms that others describe when they have stopped Clonazepam. Maybe I'm just lucky? I don't feel like my use of Clonazepam could be classified as addiction.

I'm medically dependent on Trazodone. It's the only thing that has worked for my chronic insomnia (with my breathing machine for mild sleep apnea). I have sleep onset insomnia with the sleep apnea. It's a killer combination. I have been doing so much better healthwise since I've been on Trazodone steadily and using my machine and sleeping better. I don't feel like I'm addicted to Trazodone.

I may become medically dependent on Lamictal as I titrate up to a therapeutic dose, if it works to boost the anti-depressant effect of the BuproprionXL. Maybe it will help me get off of Cymbalta which gives me some side effects I'd rather not live with such as uncontrollable sweating and anorgasmia at times. If I were to become medically dependent on Lamictal, I wouldn't feel like I was addicted to it.

I am not addicted to or medically dependent on Ambien. I can take it or leave it. I take it maybe once every other month when the insomnia hits like a freight train. I've never felt a need to continue taking it and I've never had cravings. I don't believe I'm addicted to Ambien.

In my point of view, every medication I'm on that is prescribed to me for specific conditions makes me medically dependent on that medication to do what it's intended to do. Yes, some of the medications I'm on have caused horrible withdrawal side effects when I've had to stop. EffexorXR was a nightmare to stop, literally. I'd rather quit Clonazepam any day cold turkey than taper down to quit EffexorXR again. Quitting Clonazepam for my several year experiment with Neurontin was a piece of cake for me. Quitting EffexorXR made me realize what Hell must people go through when trying to quit drugs. Even though it was Hell to quit EffexorXR, I don't feel I was addicted to it because I needed it at the time I took it for my depression.

So, at when does medical dependence become addiction? I'm curious at what others have to say about your own experiences and opinions. Thanks, Simcha.


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poster:simcha thread:959454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100821/msgs/959454.html