Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 12, 2003, at 22:34:22
In reply to Re: Forgot morning Ultram dose -- *never again*!!!, posted by utopizen on September 12, 2003, at 22:17:10
> I'd be hesistant to consider it for off-label purposes, if there's a potential with a drug that has the potential to work. I mean, I don't think anyone wouldn't be less anxious or depressed if they took a Percocet, but that doesn't mean docs are going to start researching it for that purpose.
You're failing to take into account the very unique properties tramadol possesses. And regarding Percocet, oxycodone alone (in the form of OxyContin) is occasionally prescribed for depression. There is some very good research that indicates a pure mu1-opioid receptor partial agonist could be the perfect candidate for the first FDA-approved opioid antidepressant.
I personally feel much more research needs to focus on the use of opioids in treatment-refractory OCD. We already know they work for depression -- the study "Rapid Remission of OCD Symptoms With Tramadol Hydrochloride" laid the groundwork for this current use of the drug (though OCDers have realized for quite some time that they tend to feel very much at peace during the recovery phase following any surgery... hmmm). And though I can't recall where, some university is carrying out a great deal of research on tramadol benefit in mental health issues.
> It's unfortunate there's nothing like benzos for depression...
Well, most depressives, including treatment-resistant types, will respond to some form of either opioid or stimulant therapy (or a combination of the two). Considering tramadol's triple mechanism of action, in exactly all the right places, it seems very much to me like a "benzo for depression".
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:259342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030912/msgs/259522.html