Posted by Emme on April 10, 2002, at 15:25:28
In reply to Re: naltrexone-emotional pain- Emme, posted by Chloe on April 9, 2002, at 19:42:19
Hi Chloe,
Thanks for your note. Yes, I can appreciate wanting a little numbness. Sometimes your emotions just need a break - even a nice long break. A little detachment is not a bad thing if the emotions are too intense. It sounds like you have found some meds that allow you to tune out some of the overwhelming stimulation. The numbness I was feeling on naltrexone was like being tipsy. It was hard to figure out simple things, I was spacey, a little uncoordinated, and felt a bit out of it. And really tired and felt like sitting and staring or just sleeping. At first I welcomed the numbness - better to feel little than to feel miserable. Then it started to turn nasty. I was too zombified and my mood started to get really depressed. I was awake most of last night because I was too lethargic to bother eating earlier in the evening and eventually I was hungry in the middle of the night. When my doctor heard my voice she said no more naltrexone for me - which I agree with completely. I continue to inch up the lamictal. I think one thing that is pushing at the edges of my stability is waiting to hear on a job I am anxious about. It is becoming torture and I know that if I don't get it I will be profoundly disappointed. Given the time they are taking to get back to me, it's not looking good.
Take care,
Emme> Hi Emme,
> I can't find the post you sent me, seems like the board is turning over faster, or I am checking it as frequently, not sure...
>
> Anyway, I am glad that you are getting a break from your emotional pain for a while. And that you don't really have any bothersome side effects except a little *fog*. At times I wonder why anyone who has depression or mood dysregulation, like ME would want to be completely intouch with their feelings. I really do at times find "life" very difficult, overwhelming and painful, and having some relief from that pain is a god send. That's why I love meds that "chill" me out, like neurontin and perhaps depakote and lithium.
>
> Mitch marvels at how I like the "cognitive dulling" of lithium! But I never really feel impaired if I really concentrate. Though tasks, like cashing out a register might take a little bit longer. I guess I just prefer life with the "edge" taken off, or the volume turned a little lower. But, maybe I am in the manority!
>
> I said all that to say, that if you are feeling a little numb right now, I think that it's OK. You may over time adjust to naltrexone's cognitive effects, or adjust the dose of your other meds to make your mind more clear. But maybe during this time where you have a little relief from emotional pain, you can get some perspective on your motives to cut yourself.
>
> I hope I made myself clear...I can't seem to "settle down" since this time change. It's made me very agitated, argumentative and unable to sleep. I am not totally sure if I am making sense...I do hope so.
>
> Pleae take care
> Yours,
> Chloe
poster:Emme
thread:101953
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020408/msgs/102657.html