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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sowhysosad on October 11, 2009, at 11:03:29
I've had a fairly heavy viral infection for a few days, with sore throat, heavy cough, shivering, general malaise etc.
However, it's just occurred to me that I'm feeling pretty good psychologically - a complete absence of anxiety, slightly better sleep and improved depression.
I'm fascinated to see if any of our resident experts can posit a theory as to why that might be.
The only medication I've been taking for it is aspirin, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and low dose dihydrocodeine. I certainly don't think it's an opiate thing as I've only taken the latter VERY occasionally.
Posted by Merge on October 11, 2009, at 12:28:00
In reply to Feeling better mentally with viral infection-how?, posted by sowhysosad on October 11, 2009, at 11:03:29
I had a similar experience recently. For me, I think that I was just so physically sick that it took the focus off my depression, anxiety and insomnia. I don't think I REALLY felt better mentally...but I was so sick that I really couldn't think about anything else. I'm not sure if that applies to you at all - maybe there is something more to it.
Posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2009, at 13:01:47
In reply to Re: Feeling better mentally with viral infection-how?, posted by Merge on October 11, 2009, at 12:28:00
I think I agree with Merge. Was or is it the swine flu is very rampid now here. I do hope you continue to feel better Phillipa
Posted by sowhysosad on October 11, 2009, at 14:07:10
In reply to Re: Feeling better mentally with viral infection-how?, posted by Merge on October 11, 2009, at 12:28:00
> For me, I think that I was just so physically sick that it took the focus off my depression, anxiety and insomnia. I don't think I REALLY felt better mentally...but I was so sick that I really couldn't think about anything else.
Yeah, it could just have been that!
Posted by sowhysosad on October 11, 2009, at 14:09:03
In reply to Re: Feeling better mentally with viral infection-how?, posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2009, at 13:01:47
> Was or is it the swine flu is very rampid now here. I do hope you continue to feel better
Thanks Phillipa.
I did suspect swine flu as some of the symptoms are similar but my temperature hasn't been particularly high.
Posted by bleauberry on October 11, 2009, at 19:24:06
In reply to Feeling better mentally with viral infection-how?, posted by sowhysosad on October 11, 2009, at 11:03:29
I think there may be two things at play here. The science of the body is too complex and poorly understood to make any accurate hypothesis. But off the top of my head, these are what came to mind:
There may be an inflammation component to your mood problems. Microcirculation is suffering, bloodflow to the brain is deficient, toxic waste not being cleared out. The anti-inflammatory agents you have been taking relieved much of that ongoing inflammation and thinned the blood for quicker clearance.
There is an immune system component to your mood problems. Under attack, your immune system has gone into overdrive. The immune system is way too complicated so I couldn't venture a guess what is going on. All I know for sure is that what goes on with the immune system directly impacts what goes on in the brain.
And the codeine cannot be ruled out. For someone who does not usually take opioid meds, the effect can be longer lasting than the halflife or longlasting than would be in someone who has used them more frequently. Maybe the codeine has an anti-inflammatory contribution as well?
Just some thoughts. It is an interesting question.
Posted by sowhysosad on October 12, 2009, at 9:11:43
In reply to Re: Feeling better mentally with viral infection-how?, posted by bleauberry on October 11, 2009, at 19:24:06
> There may be an inflammation component to your mood problems. Microcirculation is suffering, bloodflow to the brain is deficient, toxic waste not being cleared out. The anti-inflammatory agents you have been taking relieved much of that ongoing inflammation and thinned the blood for quicker clearance.
>
> There is an immune system component to your mood problems. Under attack, your immune system has gone into overdrive. The immune system is way too complicated so I couldn't venture a guess what is going on. All I know for sure is that what goes on with the immune system directly impacts what goes on in the brain.Interesting ideas - thanks.
> And the codeine cannot be ruled out. For someone who does not usually take opioid meds, the effect can be longer lasting than the halflife or longlasting than would be in someone who has used them more frequently.
I have used codeine fairly frequently at times, and usually in a higher dosage. I've certainly not had any euphoric effects from the dihydrocodeine, but there could be something else going on as you say.
This is the end of the thread.
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