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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Soljah on September 6, 2003, at 1:11:11
Aloha,
I have been using buprenex for about 2 months to treat refractory depression in combination with Paxil CR. The Paxil had been working great on its own for about 8 months until it just "pooped out." The addition of buprenex as an augmentor has been a real lifesaver. I haven't felt this "normal" in many many years.
Recently, I moved out to Hawaii and have not been able to find a single pdoc (or any doctor) who is willing to prescribe buprenex or has even heard that it can be used for off-label things like depression (they are adament that it cannot be used for depression). This is even after they have my medical records showing that that is exactly what I have been using it for. Really, really frustrating and scary at the same time because I am almost out of my meds (paxil is fine).
What is shocking to me is that a couple of pdocs have volunteered to prescribe me Stadol which isn't regulated as much as buph from what I understand. I have never heard of Stadol until recently and it seems like it is WAY more addictive than buph??? And I really haven't found any info saying it helps with depression or has even been used in clinical studies for it.
I am really getting concerned with my depression coming back hardcore if I stop the buph and am also very leary of Stadol. Can anyone give me some advice on this. I can't believe that these doctor's are willing to try and fix what isn't broken by not prescribing me buprenex and offering Stadol.
I'm sorry for such a long post, but I haven't been sleeping at night worrying so much about this. When the Paxil started to lose its effectivness for me, I fell into that deep abysmal depression that is totally incapacitating. I would be very grateful if anyone with any experience or knowledge could give me some advice. Again, I have been on just about every SSRI, Tricyclic (can't to MAOI's), and a host of other augmentors like lamictal, depakote, lithium, neurontin, topamax and some that I can't even remember.
Please let me know what you think. A big mahalo for the help!!!
Posted by Liligoth on September 6, 2003, at 7:58:13
In reply to HELP! Buprenex vs Stadol, posted by Soljah on September 6, 2003, at 1:11:11
hi Soljah, buprenorphine is a life saver for me too. There are a few journal articles & references to studies of it being used for depression to be found online. If you print these & give them to your pdoc to read it may open his mind. Dont know what else to suggest Im sorry. Good luck
Posted by Gabbix2 on September 6, 2003, at 16:25:45
In reply to HELP! Buprenex vs Stadol, posted by Soljah on September 6, 2003, at 1:11:11
What an awful situation to be in.
How close were you with your former Dr? is there any chance he/she can make a phone call on your behalf? Or can you ask for their advice?My psychiatrist did that for me once I left a message on his machine explaining my situation, which was very similar to yours, and he took care of it. I felt strange doing it, but I was desperate, he was surprisingly understanding.
Posted by EscherDementian on September 7, 2003, at 5:11:43
In reply to Re: HELP! Buprenex vs Stadol, posted by Gabbix2 on September 6, 2003, at 16:25:45
Scary SCARY Stadol !!
Yes, i have been perscribed Stadol for a period of time -for migraines. It had the scariest side-effect of making my personality change into something mean and nasty and argumentative. And i mean MEAN which was completely alien and unfamiliar to me. Sound seemed to have had the volume turned up too many decibels. i also became forgetful and got 'face-sweats' something awful. But the very scariest part was the 'personality change' into someone cold and mean. AND definate opium-like withdrawals when i refused to take it anymore.
i can't imagine it countering depression, unless being disconnected and uncaring relieves a soul-pain somehow. It was like having my soul 'removed'.
oh- i was on Zoloft at the time, and had been for a year or more with no side-effects there when i began the daily Stadol. Off and on Stadol for a couple weeks -->months on and off. Just couldn't get beyond the weirdness. Nor could my lover or kindergartners. Migraines were almost better.
Hope this helps,
Escher
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