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

[Man67]

Ketamine infusions are completed as part of a 2 week stay in hospital where patients receive a series of 6 treatments. Treatment sessions are conducted on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If there is a positive result, patients will typically need to go on to a maintenance treatment regimen. This is completed as an outpatient through Anodyne. Maintenance varies from patient to patient, but can be a single infusion every 4 weeks.

There are different ways to receive a ketamine infusion. At Marian Centre it is completed as either an IV (intra-venous, in the vein) or SC (subcutaneously, under the skin) infusion over 40-60min.

This does sound expensive, mostly because you have to stay at the clinic 2 weeks. And we all know what that costs.
Would there be an alternative to this?
Why do people have to stay that long in the hospital?
I'm asking because of this

There's another way. You come to the hospital for the IV and get released after 2 hours monitoring (by the nurse). Check the link: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-centres/neuromodulation-research-centre/ketamine/

We're talking about Australia but the treatment in the USA is much cheaper and less complicated.

 

[DesertHarp]

Even if you take it for the first time in your life you will feel better almost immediately. So how is that addiction?

You don't have to be addicted to feel much better, after taking an opioid. However, if you experience extreme discomfort 2 days after stopping use - discomfort that is not the original pain you were treating - then that would mean you've become "dependent." At least, that's my understanding. "Restless leg syndrome" is a very specific sensation that is horrid. It's not a vague sense of unease or general malaise. It is not a pain sensation. It is something else, hard to describe. Years ago, when I was taking a benzo (Librium), I would get RLS if I ran out and went several days without a dose. That was the same thing.

The only remedy for RLS, I found, was getting into a tub of warm water and, then, making it as hot as I could stand. That would kinda overide the sensation of RLS.

If other daily opioid users here can't relate, then maybe I get some unusually severe restless leg syndrome that is peculiar to me.

 

[Man67]

You don't have to be addicted to feel much better, after taking an opioid. However, if you experience extreme discomfort 2 days after stopping use - discomfort that is not the original pain you were treating - then that would mean you've become "dependent." At least, that's my understanding. "Restless leg syndrome" is a very specific sensation that is horrid. It's not a vague sense of unease or general malaise. It is not a pain sensation. It is something else, hard to describe. Years ago, when I was taking a benzo (Librium), I would get RLS if I ran out and went several days without a dose. That was the same thing.

The only remedy for RLS, I found, was getting into a tub of warm water and, then, making it as hot as I could stand. That would kinda overide the sensation of RLS.

If other daily opioid users here can't relate, then maybe I get some unusually severe restless leg syndrome that is peculiar to me.

I made a break from 10mg Endone p/d for two weeks. No withdrawal effects at all. After starting talking it again it's effect is much weaker than before. Why and how? It's supposed to be the other way around.

 

[DesertHarp]

I made a break from 10mg Endone p/d for two weeks. No withdrawal effects at all. After starting talking it again it's effect is much weaker than before. Why and how? It's supposed to be the other way around.

Endone seems to be the Australian equivalent of oxycodone. If you were able to stop taking it for two weeks and got no withdrawal, how fortunate for you. I don't know why it seems weaker now to you. That's opposite what I would ecpect.

 

[Man67]

Endone seems to be the Australian equivalent of oxycodone. If you were able to stop taking it for two weeks and got no withdrawal, how fortunate for you. I don't know why it seems weaker now to you. That's opposite what I would ecpect.

All of this doesn't make sense anymore. None of antidepressants work (tried at least 15-20 from each category over the years) and Endone barely helps for a few hours.
Only treatment that might help (IV Ketamine or Spravato nasal spray) are not subsidised by Medicare. It seems that I've exhausted all legal options. As I isolated myself over the years there's nobody I could ask for help. A quick heart attack would be the answer for my prayers.

 

[Conky]

All of this doesn't make sense anymore. None of antidepressants work (tried at least 15-20 from each category over the years) and Endone barely helps for a few hours.
Only treatment that might help (IV Ketamine or Spravato nasal spray) are not subsidised by Medicare. It seems that I've exhausted all legal options. As I isolated myself over the years there's nobody I could ask for help. A quick heart attack would be the answer for my prayers.

Have you tried any dopaminergic medications like selegiline, pramipexole, d-amphetamine, etc

I read a case report of a patient with TRD that was non responsive to ECT as well as the mainstream antidepressants

He only started getting remission after being put on dextroamphetamine and pramipexole along with clomipramine he was on before

Dextroamphetamine and Pramipexole Combination for Treatment-Resistant Unipolar Depression - PMC

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Man67]

Have you tried any dopaminergic medications like selegiline, pramipexole, d-amphetamine, etc

I read a case report of a patient with TRD that was non responsive to ECT as well as the mainstream antidepressants

He only started getting remission after being put on dextroamphetamine and pramipexole along with clomipramine he was on before

Dextroamphetamine and Pramipexole Combination for Treatment-Resistant Unipolar Depression - PMC

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Thanks for the advice. I'll ask my Dr. about this.

 

[Man67]

Thanks for the advice. I'll ask my Dr. about this.

I always forget to say one thing. Thanks everyone on this forum for helping people when they are down. If I told you that you extended my life for a couple of years I wouldn't be lying. Keep up the good work.

 

[paltatomate]

I always forget to say one thing. Thanks everyone on this forum for helping people when they are down. If I told you that you extended my life for a couple of years I wouldn't be lying. Keep up the good work.

thank you for this post.
it's great to have you here today as part of the community.
i hope you are in a better mood than you were yesterday.

 

[AngelsandFairiesarereal]

I always forget to say one thing. Thanks everyone on this forum for helping people when they are down. If I told you that you extended my life for a couple of years I wouldn't be lying. Keep up the good work.

Thank you too for being here. You’re one of the people on here that when I randomly see your posts I think ‘Oh good he’s still around’. Sometimes I struggle with dissociation from PTSD (from the flashbacks and night terrors) … so sometimes I don’t always respond because I do that thing where I just stare at the screen. But either way I’m always rooting for you.
Big hug

 

[Man67]

Endone seems to be the Australian equivalent of oxycodone. If you were able to stop taking it for two weeks and got no withdrawal, how fortunate for you. I don't know why it seems weaker now to you. That's opposite what I would ecpect.

I was wondering about extended-release oxycodone as I never tried it. Do you feel anything and does it make you less depressed?

 

[DesertHarp]

I was wondering about extended-release oxycodone as I never tried it. Do you feel anything and does it make you less depressed?

I've never tried extended-release oxycodone. I take regular hydrocodone, which they say is less powerful than oxycodone. I bet I would love extended-release oxycodone. I wouldn't dare ask for it.

 

[Kellsee]

I guess I am just too scared to allow myself to even consider deciding that I could take opiates for my depression. Hell yeah they lift my depression. They tell the receptors in my brain to flood me with dopamine. Whats next? Deciding heroin is good for a tooth ache. When I first read the title of this thread tbh it almost took my breath away.


Just be careful with this idea. Feels like a set up that could easily lead to deception. Depression and anhedonia can look like the same thing. Opiates can destroy the potential of your future happiness. I feel like yall are playing with fire.
Im just scared of this idea. Curiosity is what killed the cat and it will kill you too. I’m saying this because it’s that serious. Please be careful with this

 

[Man67]

I guess I am just too scared to allow myself to even consider deciding that I could take opiates for my depression. Hell yeah they lift my depression. They tell the receptors in my brain to flood me with dopamine. Whats next? Deciding heroin is good for a tooth ache. When I first read the title of this thread tbh it almost took my breath away.


Just be careful with this idea. Feels like a set up that could easily lead to deception. Depression and anhedonia can look like the same thing. Opiates can destroy the potential of your future happiness. I feel like yall are playing with fire.
Im just scared of this idea. Curiosity is what killed the cat and it will kill you too. I’m saying this because it’s that serious. Please be careful with this

Which alternative do I have when antidepressants don't work?

 

[DesertHarp]

I guess I am just too scared to allow myself to even consider deciding that I could take opiates for my depression. Hell yeah they lift my depression. They tell the receptors in my brain to flood me with dopamine. Whats next? Deciding heroin is good for a tooth ache. When I first read the title of this thread tbh it almost took my breath away.


Just be careful with this idea. Feels like a set up that could easily lead to deception. Depression and anhedonia can look like the same thing. Opiates can destroy the potential of your future happiness. I feel like yall are playing with fire.
Im just scared of this idea. Curiosity is what killed the cat and it will kill you too. I’m saying this because it’s that serious. Please be careful with this

Opioids are good for a toothache. That's generally what dentists order for serious dental pain.

Kellsee - I think you're wise to not use opioids for depression. Do you use opioids at all? What do you use an opioid for?

This thread has gotten a lot of posts because a lot of people here can relate to what I'm saying.

 

[Man67]

LEGAL opioids (in small doses) are the only medication that work for treatment resistant depression IMMEDIATELY.

I've been on 10mg Oxycodone for the last 2 years and it's the only reason I'm still alive. Of course it's not perfect as it lifts my depression and suic. intention for 3-4 hours only, but it's still better than nothing.

Until they make Ketamine treatment affordable for regular people it's my only lifeline.

 

[Man67]

One serious question if I may. I've already been on Suboxone (for chronic pain and treatment resistant depression) and it worked like a charm for almost 9 months. Than something happened (literally overnight) so I had to tapper it down completely.

I'm willing to try it again but in a different form. Buvidal and Sublocade are available as an monthly injection and don't contain Naloxone. I am talking about low dose of 4 or 8 mg. Does it make sense considering I have nothing to lose?

Any suggestions or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Felonious Monk]

One serious question if I may. I've already been on Suboxone (for chronic pain and treatment resistant depression) and it worked like a charm for almost 9 months. Than something happened (literally overnight) so I had to tapper it down completely.

I'm willing to try it again but in a different form. Buvidal and Sublocade are available as an monthly injection and don't contain Naloxone. I am talking about low dose of 4 or 8 mg. Does it make sense considering I have nothing to lose?

Any suggestions or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I mean, I'd say go for it, but that's definitely a question for a doctor. You really want to make sure everything is ok with a medication that lasts that long and can have such wide-ranging effects.

 

[Psynaught]

All of this doesn't make sense anymore. None of antidepressants work (tried at least 15-20 from each category over the years) and Endone barely helps for a few hours.
Only treatment that might help (IV Ketamine or Spravato nasal spray) are not subsidised by Medicare. It seems that I've exhausted all legal options. As I isolated myself over the years there's nobody I could ask for help. A quick heart attack would be the answer for my prayers.

I have not read all your posts but I too struggle, especially now that I am getting much older and the future just does not look that good anymore. However if I get hooked on opioids things are only going to get worse. Kratom perks up my mood a bit, I take 5 grams about 5 days a week.

Also, I am prescribed carbamazepine as a mood stabilizer and it seems to work well.

 

[Kellsee]

That's generally what dentists order for serious dental pain.

Yeah at first dentist were great for prescribing pain medicine. I had a tooth ache everyday in my early twenties. Probably hit up every dentist in east tn. For awhile you could get the same pharmacy to fill two different prescriptions for narcotic pain medicine from two different dentists in one week. It was great. But then the FDA started cracking down more as the overdose statistics began rising.

Kellsee - I think you're wise to not use opioids for depression. Do you use opioids at all? What do you use an opioid for?

Actually a dentist was the first dr to prescribe opiates to me. I was 12. He found a small cyst on the left side of my jaw bone on the inside of my mouth during a routine cleaning. I hadn’t noticed it because it wasn’t bothering me. But he thought it might. He prescribe me Percocets. Then I was sent to a maxillofacial surgeon who removed it. I was left with a real small incision with 2 stitches. Ive had root canals that hurt more. But both times I was prescribed opiates. 3 months later the cyst was back. Basically the same size. I went back so they could remove it again. I was prescribed opiates again. The third time it came back it was three times bigger. Same procedure more opiates. The fourth time was the first time they had to also start removing pieces of bone. This lead to bone graphs. But my body always rejected the bone graphs so they eventually started taking bone from my hips. Even tho the pieces of bone were small it was still extremely hard to place any pressure on my hip and leg to walk. I was on crutches a few times. Then I ended up with an infection in my sinus cavity. This lead to having reconstructive sinus surgery twice. I’m so thankful that none of this has affected me physically. You can’t tell any of this ever happened by looking at me. But it did. Obviously at this point I was having pain. But thank God they were looking out for my liver. The dr said all the Tylenol in the percocets was bad for my liver. Which is true. So this time he prescribed me a medicine for pain that didn’t contain any Tylenol. He also said it was non addictive because of its slow releasing properties. Thats when I met OxyContin. To make a long story short by the time I graduated high school I had been thru over 30 surgeries.

But I didn’t find out that I was a drug addict until I was 19. I was in my bathroom getting ready for our towns highschool homecoming football game. I had to be there to give up my crown and crown the next homecoming queen. I could hear the TV playing from the living room. I’ll never forget this. I heard a man say “theres been a rise in concern about the potential of addiction associated with the medication often prescribed for pain called OxyContin”. As soon as I heard this I was immediately flooded with the same kind of panic I had felt the night before when I looked at my bottle and realized I only had two pills left. I didn’t understand why that had been so alarming to me. After hearing what that man said it all finally clicked. Now I knew.

Basically what this meant was that the entire time of my adolescent development my brain was under the influence of opiates. By the time I realized it…it was too late. It was like someone had been putting opiates in my mashed taters my entire life but never told me. I was 35 by the time I was able to put a halt on that constant chase of the dragon. But I’d basically already screwed the best parts of my life….being a mother….being anything. Opiates can rewire your brain and impair the reward circuitry. Every fiber of my being constantly craved the very poison thst was trying to kill me. Now I suffer from severe anhedonia.



Desertharp - I haven’t read every post in this thread but I was just triggered by what I thought this thread was suggesting. I don’t really know enough about where you’re coming from to know what to say in response to you personally. I also have lupus. Right now it’s kicking my ass so I’m weak and tired. But Ive read enough from the OP to know his battle. My heart breaks for him tho cause I can relate and feel his pain. I realize my response may be full of a lot of bias. But because of my own personal experience the only way I can exist is to see them as the poison they’ve been to me.