Posted by John45 on September 23, 2010, at 8:21:23
In reply to Bupenorphine in general, posted by yxibow on February 20, 2007, at 20:21:07
Subutex is proving more and more to be HIGHLY effective in most people with long-standing depression/anxiety disorders. LOW doses (0.25-1 mg daily) seem to be all that is needed. I have a long history of anxiety/panic/depressive episodes that have not responded very well to SSRIs. I also take clonazepam (low dose). I have been on Subutex now for 3.5 years and every time I try to stop taking it I feel foul, unmotivated, negative & angry. Yes, there is some withdrawal...yes, there may be some minor side effects...however I truly feel that many people who are life-long depressives are not getting this treatment which has the potential to normalize their lives.
I understand the debate about using opiates for depression....addiction...etc. Buprenorphine is very different than a FULL AGONIST opiate. It also has some properties that no other opiate has, that explains the powerful anti-depressant effects.
Some doctors are realizing its potential as an antidepressant in cases where the patient cannot tolerate or is resistant to conventional antidepressants. Both mental and physical pain are regulated by the same chemical networks in the brain. Depression is commonly accompanied by co-morbid pain symptoms. Endogenous opiates (made by our own bodies), such as endorphins and enkephalins, mediate pain perception in the body. In the brain, they are significantly involved in regulating mood and behavior, and decreasing the perception of pain and depression. Subutexs unique chemical profile may contribute to its strong anti-depressant properties.
By the way, I have NO HISTORY of addiction and no interest in increasing my dose. Please feel free to comment and have a dialogue about this medication. If anyone is interested, I will post my "story." This is too important to not have a dialogue about.
All the best, John
poster:John45
thread:734151
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100917/msgs/963463.html