I'ld like to hear from anyone who uses an opioid to fight depression.

[Man67]

So, you have the substance now, you know it works for you, and you just need to obtain somehow it for these 2 weeks ? Or you need it from now on, there will be no legal legal supply after 2 weeks end ?

There'll be no legal supply after the next 2 weeks end.

 

[BadassMoFo]

I think opioids are the greatest anti-depressant EVER! It's exactly why they are so addicting especially for some of us. The normal antidepressants have no effect on me and if they did I'm sure they would be addictive as well. How could they now? I'm certain the pharmaceutical companies know how to make a more effective anti-depressant but they don't because if it were as effective as opioids, it would be just a prone to abuse and after the Oxycontin lawsuits, they not going to produce it.

 

[Man67]

I think opioids are the greatest anti-depressant EVER! It's exactly why they are so addicting especially for some of us. The normal antidepressants have no effect on me and if they did I'm sure they would be addictive as well. How could they now? I'm certain the pharmaceutical companies know how to make a more effective anti-depressant but they don't because if it were as effective as opioids, it would be just a prone to abuse and after the Oxycontin lawsuits, they not going to produce it.

You are 100% right. Oxy (legally prescribed) is keeping me alive for the last 2 years. Unfortunately it's a minimal dose (10 mg per day) so I feel normal only for 3-4 hours in the morning. The rest of the day is a nightmare. I'm afraid to ask for more because I can loose what I have. Not sure how long I can live like this...

 

[ChemicallyEnhanced]

Did this today...
No morphine (next script due on Tues) but I've had 900mg Codeine and 6600mg Gabapentin.

 

[BadassMoFo]

You are 100% right. Oxy (legally prescribed) is keeping me alive for the last 2 years. Unfortunately it's a minimal dose (10 mg per day) so I feel normal only for 3-4 hours in the morning. The rest of the day is a nightmare. I'm afraid to ask for more because I can loose what I have. Not sure how long I can live like this...

Have you ever tried Kratom? I also am only able to dose once a day for tolerance reasons and am able to use low dose Kratom to relieve my symptoms all day. I usually dose at 4pm and am able to sleep through the night and they take Kratom in the morning and my mood i great all day. I'm on a much larger dose than you, 60mg and have been able to maintain this for a couple of years now with occasional breaks because even at once a day things become less effective after a couple of weeks.

Today I tried the ULDN(ultra low dose Naltrexone) and it seems to be very effective and will be posting a report about it in this thread later today https://www.bluelight.org/community...uce-and-keep-tolerance-to-opioids-low.914985/

I believe the answer to the Fentanyl problem is something that should have been done years ago since prohibition obviously doesn't and is a direct cause of this epidemic and that is they need to legalize drugs so they're regulated and then people will know what they're getting because it's the only way I see it being resolved. I know it seems impossible but I'm a big cannabis guy and would have never thought is would be fully legal but here we are on the brink of that happening. The say to put all these cartels out of business and fix this epidemic is to legalize all drugs now and it isn't very hard to convince them now although I'm sure there will be significant resistance.

Whoever is struggling right now, be active, write your reps and try to see the light at the end of the tunnel because I believe we all may see some improvements whether is be full legalization or possibly the development of a new drug so please don't give up hope!

 

[xyZedd]

I have a monthly script for 120 30mg dihydrocodeine + about 50 75mg pregabalin tabs. This is for two disc herniations that flare up every so often. I’ve been using the dhc purely to improve my mental state for quite some time. Don’t really bother with the pregabalin unless I need to sleep. If I come off the dhc I struggle badly with the dreaded restless legs, and if I’ve run out of pregabalin then I’ll be tossing and turning till 4 or 5 am before sleeping which fucking sucks when getting up 2 hours later for work! I realise that eventually they will take the script away so I probably need an exit plan. My script is pretty small, ie 120mg dhc per day, but still enough to form a dependency.. I usually take 90mg in one go and feel good for an hour before bed, sometimes with a scotch or two. I’m rambling. Point is - I was thinking about dhc alternatives (for as and when my script is eventually pulled) and I’ve heard poppy tea using dried poppy pods is good. Anyone experienced with this? I’m in the UK..

 

[SWiMSWiMSWIMMiNG]

I've started a few threads already. I'm starting this one to introduce myself, which I didn't do before.

I take hydrocodone for back pain. I get 60 tablets each month. (What I get is called Vicodin - hydrocodone and acetaminophen - 10/325.) That's my only supply. It's prescribed legally. Much of the time, my back pain isn't a big issue. Often, the real reason I keep taking these pills is to feel better mentally. I suffer from depression. I've been to shrinks about it and tried all kinds of psych meds. Nothing they prescibe does much. I function okay.

It seems like my life revolves around these pills. Basically, I take one every twelve hours. I'm obsessed with these pills. I count the hours until I can take another one. Sometimes, when the depression is bad, I don't wait the twelve hours. If I run out of pills before the month is up, I pay a price. If I go 36 hours without a pill, I start to have withdrawal. For me that is "restless leg syndrome." I would call it akathisia because it is round the clock. It's torture, so I mostly space out my pills to last the whole month.
At times, I think of suicide to escape the depression. I feel like these tablets are the best thing I have going for me. Yesterday, I took two tablets at the same time because I was having a miserable time with severe depression. That 20 mg of hydrocodone was like getting a glass of water in the desert. It helped a lot.

I wonder if anyone else here finds that using an opioid relieves depression. I don't discuss this with any doctor. I figure that would be the fastest way to lose this prescription that I value so much.

I always have to fight the temptation to use up my tablets ahead of schedule because I don't want to face withdrawal.

I'm trying to find a way to feel better without using up my tablets too soon. I'm thinking of trying edible cannabis. I don't find alcohol helpful, so I'm not much of a drinker.

Right here

 

[Man67]

Have you ever tried Kratom? I also am only able to dose once a day for tolerance reasons and am able to use low dose Kratom to relieve my symptoms all day. I usually dose at 4pm and am able to sleep through the night and they take Kratom in the morning and my mood i great all day. I'm on a much larger dose than you, 60mg and have been able to maintain this for a couple of years now with occasional breaks because even at once a day things become less effective after a couple of weeks.

Today I tried the ULDN(ultra low dose Naltrexone) and it seems to be very effective and will be posting a report about it in this thread later today https://www.bluelight.org/community...uce-and-keep-tolerance-to-opioids-low.914985/

I believe the answer to the Fentanyl problem is something that should have been done years ago since prohibition obviously doesn't and is a direct cause of this epidemic and that is they need to legalize drugs so they're regulated and then people will know what they're getting because it's the only way I see it being resolved. I know it seems impossible but I'm a big cannabis guy and would have never thought is would be fully legal but here we are on the brink of that happening. The say to put all these cartels out of business and fix this epidemic is to legalize all drugs now and it isn't very hard to convince them now although I'm sure there will be significant resistance.

Whoever is struggling right now, be active, write your reps and try to see the light at the end of the tunnel because I believe we all may see some improvements whether is be full legalization or possibly the development of a new drug so please don't give up hope!

Unfortunately we don't have Kratom in Australia.

 

[Man67]

Due to my stupidity I'll have to survive 10 days without Endone (10mg Oxycodone). I accidentally left the box of 20 in the pharmacy (on the counter) and when I got back 2 hours later it wasn't there.

I can't get a new prescription before my next Dr's appointment. I'll be without oxy for exactly 10 days and don't know what to do? I'm taking it for TRD.

I got some codeine tablets left (around 60mg per day) and wandering what's the best way to use them in order to avoid oxy withdrawal effects? Any suggestions are more than welcome.

 

[BadassMoFo]

Due to my stupidity I'll have to survive 10 days without Endone (10mg Oxycodone). I accidentally left the box of 20 in the pharmacy (on the counter) and when I got back 2 hours later it wasn't there.

I can't get a new prescription before my next Dr's appointment. I'll be without oxy for exactly 10 days and don't know what to do? I'm taking it for TRD.

I got some codeine tablets left (around 60mg per day) and wandering what's the best way to use them in order to avoid oxy withdrawal effects? Any suggestions are more than welcome.

DON'T give up!

Things may be look bad but stay positive and think about the good that may come of it. Your tolerance will decrease making your regular dose more effective when you do return. You're on a low dose and if you were not an abuser and 10mg 1x day is effective for you then besides missing the uplift it may give you, you shouldn't experience any major withdrawal symptoms.

I'm not in your country and don't know all of the rules but people are people and if you get them for legitimate reasons I don't think you need to be as concerned as you may think. You're on a low dose and if you have established a fairly good relationship with the doctor and they're monitoring all of your meds and there's never been any signs of any other drugs then there shouldn't be any issues. If you've been with them for awhile and things seem good I would even go as far as explaining your situation and have the pills you misplaced replaced. If you have a history for a year or more, I wouldn't be concerned at all unless you've always gotten a bad vibe from this doctor. Shit happens and as long as there hasn't been any other issues, I think the worst that can happen is they say no. If they do urine tests, you may have to explain it anyway, if they test you and there no oxy in it. If this is the case, be sure to leave some to prevent that from happening.

Things may look bad but try to focus on the positive and don't be afraid to continue to seek support from the people around you as well as places like this. There are many people that have similar experiences and there are a lot of support groups you can find locally like chronic pain groups or even a NA Narcotics Anonymous or similar, even if you don't feel you're an addict because there will certainly be people that can relate and provide support.

Get out or you of your house and go for a walk, see a movie or just go people watching this! If your day mostly consists of you sitting at home dwelling this or other bad stuff, it will only get worse. I know how hard that can be sometimes but it will help to distract you and get you that much closer to the end of 10 days. If you have some left, start taking them every other day or cut them in half. You may be able to get relief from half of an oxy and that 60mg of codeine.

Don't give up! You can do it!

 

[Man67]

For the last 2 years I never took more than 10mg per day. Never picked up my prescription a day earlier than scheduled. This applies to all other medications I take.

TRD and especially suic. thoughts and intentions can completely ruin one's life. That's the only reason for my inactivity and leaving home only for Dr's appointment.

Thanks for the support mate, I really appreciate it.

 

[BadassMoFo]

For the last 2 years I never took more than 10mg per day. Never picked up my prescription a day earlier than scheduled. This applies to all other medications I take.

If I were you with this history, I would be very confident to tell the doctor both about leaving those pills and asking for a dose increase IF you have a verifiable legitimate pain reason.

I have MDD multiple TBI's and no meds help and know exactly the lack of motivation and anhedonia you're feeling but I'm absolutely certain sitting a home a doing nothing is the absolute WORST thing you can do and you have to force yourself to do something. It will help. You may not feel great but the distraction is what helps.

I think you should call you doctor and see if they will increase the dose and if they say yes they normally send the new script right away so then you won't have to tell them about the misplacement.

 

[dopamimetic]

Am I the only one who gets worsened depression from opioids? I've tried morphine and methadone and they only provided relief when I was upping the dosage. When staying on the same dose for a couple of days the initial mood lift and stimulation would fade and turn into depression. I was crying without knowing a reason, and I was avoiding social contact or even going outside (I have social anxiety but this never made me avoid stuff so bad). I slept sometimes 16 hours a day. My highest dosage were 600mg or XR morphine. Dissociatives on the other hand reliably provide a mood lift as long as I didn't overdose and end up sedated. But I can't get legal dissociatives so I opted for prescription opioids which were pretty easy to get, just a positive urine sample was necessary. But they sucked so bad that I voluntarily quit after 2 years or so. Why so long? I was afraid of getting even worse and of the withdrawal hell. Turned out that the withdrawal wasn't that bad even after 3 years but I attribute this to concomittant disso use through the first ~2 years.

Tried kratom as well and that one is almost inactive for me. Just an oh so slight sedation, never got any pleasurable effects out of kratom.

I am curious what neuroscientific differences would account for opioids working for a part of the population who suffers from depression/anxiety but not others.

 

[Man67]

If I were you with this history, I would be very confident to tell the doctor both about leaving those pills and asking for a dose increase IF you have a verifiable legitimate pain reason.

I have MDD multiple TBI's and no meds help and know exactly the lack of motivation and anhedonia you're feeling but I'm absolutely certain sitting a home a doing nothing is the absolute WORST thing you can do and you have to force yourself to do something. It will help. You may not feel great but the distraction is what helps.

I think you should call you doctor and see if they will increase the dose and if they say yes they normally send the new script right away so then you won't have to tell them about the misplacement.

It's not up to my Dr. He needs government permission in order to prescribe even this minimal dose. Every year he has to reapply and then wait about a month for their "merciful" decision.

 

[BadassMoFo]

It's not up to my Dr. He needs government permission in order to prescribe even this minimal dose. Every year he has to reapply and then wait about a month for their "merciful" decision.

Even better. Ask the Dr. and see what he thinks and I'm sure he'll be honest and just go with his advice. If your history has been flawless for years they are not going to cut you off for asking. We have strict laws here now and as long as there is not sign of abuse, they're not going to cut you off for asking. If you want to keep talking yourself into thinking it's impossible then there's no need to reply. Like anything in life, if you don't even attempt to do it, it's definitely not happening. Good luck when you talk to your doc.

 

[Holybullshit]

Umm....DONT.

There's a big difference between treating depression and covering up depression.

If you do this you will end up worse off than before.

Combining a kappa antagonist with a mu opioid antagonist is one thing. But treating depression with mu agonismis a horrible idea. It may seem to work at first, but they are insidious, it WILL backfire.

If you have TRD and need a quick acting antidepressant I suggest a short course of low dose minocycline, along with infrequent threshold doses of ketamine lozenges, along with an MAOI. Emsam if you can get it.

along with some of those Russian drugs like bromantane and peptides like selank and semax, and possibly some nasal oxytocin, if you aren't underweight or prone to hypoglycemia low doses of metformin or pioglitazone can help too. Or 25mcg of T3 if you struggle apathy. And high doses of omega 3, algae oil or high quality fish oil are the best. Might want to try betaine, magnesium, and some neurosteroid supplements like pregenolone and DHEA as well.

I also take lithium in lower doses for depression, but you have to keep your dose low or get regular bloodwork. I've also experiment with limited courses of HDAC inhibitors

Fetzima is great too, if your insurance covers, or else a low dose of Cymbalta combined with a 1mg extended release guanfacine, to get more balanced SNRI action. Venlafaxine isn't bad either but Cymbalta has a little more norepinephrine action for more oomph.

 

[dopamimetic]

treating depression with mu agonismis a horrible idea. It may seem to work at first, but they are insidious, it WILL backfire.

This, unfortunately. I think those who successfully 'treat' their depression/anxiety with mu agonists don't have a steady supply and go through frequent dose fluctuation including withdrawal malaise so the agonist will work again.

How are your experiences with bromantane, what does it do? Helps with anxiety, just nootropic or noticeable high? I love memantine (as all dissos) but my understanding is that bro isn't an NMDA antagonist and rather upregulates dopamine? I could get it but pretty expensive so I'd like to read more before I bite the ordering bullet.

Unfortunately I can't get minocycline, not any of the MAOIs here (Mexico, quite ironically). Guanfacine isn't available either but I tried clonidine in the past and you needa be careful with those norepinephrine lowering agents, clonidine caused profound worsening of my depression with all the repercussions.

Another option for depression is Auvelity (DXM+bupropion). Tried that, it works well. If your insurance doesn't cover it you can get a script for bupropion and buy "BupropiDex" DXM pills. Jealous of you Americans with 3g/bottle DXM serivngs.

 

[DesertHarp]

I'm in a bad state. Recently, I got real depressed. So I've been going through my Vicodin faster than usual. Now I only have 5 tablets left, and I can't get my prescription refilled until Monday. (Today is Thurs.) So I have to stretch those out. That will prevent withdrawal, which I fear more than anything.

Today the depression is really bad. I've been half out of my mind.

 

[DesertHarp]

You are 100% right. Oxy (legally prescribed) is keeping me alive for the last 2 years. Unfortunately it's a minimal dose (10 mg per day) so I feel normal only for 3-4 hours in the morning. The rest of the day is a nightmare. I'm afraid to ask for more because I can loose what I have. Not sure how long I can live like this...

Like you, I wouldn't dare ask for more. I'm afraid it would rock the boat and get me cut off. Today I'm in a bad state with worsening depression. It does seem that death would be better than going in and out of these episodes. I'm not suicidal. I just am desperate to not feel so awful.

I'm sorry for what you're going through. There is no explaining this to people who have not been where we're at. Everyone thinks they know, but they don't know.

 

[DesertHarp]

I have a monthly script for 120 30mg dihydrocodeine + about 50 75mg pregabalin tabs. This is for two disc herniations that flare up every so often. I’ve been using the dhc purely to improve my mental state for quite some time. Don’t really bother with the pregabalin unless I need to sleep. If I come off the dhc I struggle badly with the dreaded restless legs, and if I’ve run out of pregabalin then I’ll be tossing and turning till 4 or 5 am before sleeping which fucking sucks when getting up 2 hours later for work! I realise that eventually they will take the script away so I probably need an exit plan. My script is pretty small, ie 120mg dhc per day, but still enough to form a dependency.. I usually take 90mg in one go and feel good for an hour before bed, sometimes with a scotch or two. I’m rambling. Point is - I was thinking about dhc alternatives (for as and when my script is eventually pulled) and I’ve heard poppy tea using dried poppy pods is good. Anyone experienced with this? I’m in the UK..

I get Vicodin (hydrocodone 10 mg) for neck and back pain, due to compressed disks. I get 60 tablets each month. Actually, I don't have pain warranting me taking an opioid every 12 hours. Physical exertion does bring on sore spasms, but some days I'm pain-free. Even on those good days, I take the Vicodin. It helps a bit with the depression.

When I've used up my script ahead of schedule, I've had withdrawal. It was mainly "restless leg syndrome." RLS is maddening. When I've had it, I knew it was temporary. If I didn't know it was temporary, I would have committed suicide to escape it. To prevent it, I make sure I don't use my script up too fast. That's all the motivation I need. I don't know how anyone tolerates recurrent periods of RLS. I'm in awe of addicts who go through that on a regular basis. I would be looking for a high overpass to jump off of.

I hope you find the poppy tea helpful. I have Kratom, but I get nothing good out of it.