Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 3462

Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

naltrexone and/or buprenorphine experiences?

Posted by Jim on March 7, 1999, at 15:08:16

I'm interested in finding out more about the use
of opioid antagonists (naltrexone) and mixed
agonist/antagonists (buprenorphine) in refractory
depression and related disorders--in my case that
would be OCD, binge eating, etc... I've seen the
interesting posts from the last few months (and some
impressive-sounding results on the tips website), but
I'm wondering if there's more info lurking out there,
especially from people who've tried either and can
report on effects & side-effects.

Thanks,
Jim

 

Re: naltrexone and/or buprenorphine experiences?

Posted by Wayne R. on March 7, 1999, at 16:47:22

In reply to naltrexone and/or buprenorphine experiences?, posted by Jim on March 7, 1999, at 15:08:16

> I'm interested in finding out more about the use
> of opioid antagonists (naltrexone) and mixed
> agonist/antagonists (buprenorphine) in refractory depression...
Jim, you likely saw my postings in February regarding my success with Naltrexone in a case of refractory depression. Let me know if you would like any other information regarding my experience. Wayne

 

buprenorphine experience

Posted by Elizabeth on March 9, 1999, at 23:54:07

In reply to naltrexone and/or buprenorphine experiences?, posted by Jim on March 7, 1999, at 15:08:16

I've been taking buprenorphine for a week, in addition to Parnate (which I had been taking for 6 months or so). It worked almost immediately (not after the first dose, but after the first day or two (dosage is 3 times daily), I noticed the difference.

Specific symptoms it helped with:
- anhedonia (inability to enjoy things)
- lack of motivation/interest
- guilt/self-reproach
- insomnia
- anorexia (lack of appetite, not the eating disorder)
- social anxiety
- irritability
- pessimism/despair
- restlessness/tension

My primary dx is major depression, I also have panic disorder. My panic attacks are almost completely controlled by the Parnate so I don't know if buprenorphine by itself would prevent those too.

Side effects:
- itching (using Claritin)
- constipation
- dry mouth
- dizziness (went away after a couple doses)
- minor headaches (also went away)
- lapses of attention (very weird, almost feels like I'm dreaming)

-elizabeth

 

Re: buprenorphine experience

Posted by Jim on March 10, 1999, at 8:32:54

In reply to buprenorphine experience, posted by Elizabeth on March 9, 1999, at 23:54:07

Thanks for the specifics, Elizabeth-- I'd seen some of your previous postings here and also on usenet! It occurs to me to ask if you went with buprenorphine without considering a full antagonist like naltrexone first. If so, why? Great that the buprenex seems to be helping for you.
Thanks,
Jim

 

Re: buprenorphine experience

Posted by Elizabeth on March 10, 1999, at 22:07:29

In reply to Re: buprenorphine experience, posted by Jim on March 10, 1999, at 8:32:54

> Thanks for the specifics, Elizabeth-- I'd seen some of your previous postings here and also on usenet! It occurs to me to ask if you went with buprenorphine without considering a full antagonist like naltrexone first. If so, why? Great that the buprenex seems to be helping for you.

Hi Jim. Buprenorphine was clearly indicated for me for various reasons. But even if naltrexone had been under consideration, side effects like anorexia would have made it a dubious choice (I have already lost a great deal of weight due to depression).

Aside from the augmentation thing, by itself, naltrexone mostly seems useful for people with impulse-control disorders (self-injury, eating disorders, alcoholism, etc.). It just didn't seem applicable to my situation at all.

I'm not sure which Jim you are on Usenet, but since you seem to know who I am, do feel free to email me if you'd like.

-elizabeth

 

Re: buprenorphine experience

Posted by meleani on April 3, 1999, at 1:31:51

In reply to Re: buprenorphine experience, posted by Elizabeth on March 10, 1999, at 22:07:29

> > Thanks for the specifics, Elizabeth-- I'd seen some of your previous postings here and also on usenet! It occurs to me to ask if you went with buprenorphine without considering a full antagonist like naltrexone first. If so, why? Great that the buprenex seems to be helping for you.
>
> Hi Jim. Buprenorphine was clearly indicated for me for various reasons. But even if naltrexone had been under consideration, side effects like anorexia would have made it a dubious choice (I have already lost a great deal of weight due to depression).
>
> Aside from the augmentation thing, by itself, naltrexone mostly seems useful for people with impulse-control disorders (self-injury, eating disorders, alcoholism, etc.). It just didn't seem applicable to my situation at all.
>
> I'm not sure which Jim you are on Usenet, but since you seem to know who I am, do feel free to email me if you'd like.
>
> -elizabeth

 

Re: buprenorphine experience

Posted by Elizabeth on April 5, 1999, at 23:04:57

In reply to Re: buprenorphine experience, posted by meleani on April 3, 1999, at 1:31:51

>It occurs to me to ask if
>you went with buprenorphine
>without considering a full
>antagonist like naltrexone
>first. If so, why? Great
>that the buprenex seems to
>be helping for you.

Buprenorphine acts primarily as an agonist at the doses used in depression. It's totally different from naltrexone or naloxone.

My understanding is that naltrexone is useful for certain impulsive behaviors (eating disorders, alcoholism and opiate-ism, self-injury) and for preventing ADs from losing effectiveness (or kick-staring them after they have pooped out), but is not much of an antidepressant by itself (and can even exacerbate some symptoms of depression). I did talk to my doctor and the consultant who originally suggested buprenorphine to me, and neither of them thought that ReVia was indicated in my case.


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