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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
Hi People,
My doctor is having me try a little naltrexone because I'm having some breakthrough depression while on Lamictal. When I tried Celexa a while back for a boost I started cycling. I'm gradually raising Lamictal again, but it sounds like the naltrexone would act quickly. This is a new class of drug for me and I was just wondering what kinds of experiences people have had with it. Did it help depression? Did it help anything else? Urges to...um...give oneself wee little cuts..? Side effects?
Thanks so much. This board has been so generous with input.
Emme
Posted by tb on April 5, 2002, at 10:37:53
In reply to Help....naltrexone - what's your experience?, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
hi
I have tried Naltrexone. I suffer from an eating disorder. The Naltrexone really had no effect on me. But I am also VERY treatment resistant.
Good Luck
Tb
Posted by Jaynee on April 5, 2002, at 20:33:47
In reply to Help....naltrexone - what's your experience?, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
I have no experience with it, but here is an interesting site on it.
Posted by ChrisK on April 6, 2002, at 5:57:57
In reply to Help....naltrexone - what's your experience?, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
I am an alcoholic along with my depression problems and Naltrexone has been very good for me. It has some AD qualities and also calms some of the mind's obsessive behaviors. For me, it has done the intended job of stopping alcohol cravings. It successfully blocks that part of the brain that finds pleasure in getting drunk and at the same time releives some of my depression.
I wouldn't say that it is in any way a stand alone AD but in my experience it can definitely help. I also get no side effects from it so I wouldn'e be afraid to give it try. There was a guy here a couple of years ago named Wayne R. who got a lot of benefit from it. Maybe if you go to the archives for 1999 you can find some of his posts. They're very helpful.
Chris
Posted by Bekka H. on April 6, 2002, at 19:20:46
In reply to Help....naltrexone - what's your experience?, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
Hi. I'm not familiar with naltrexone. Can you tell me about it? What class of drugs does it belong to? Thanks.
Bekka
Posted by Zo on April 7, 2002, at 6:00:18
In reply to Help....naltrexone - what's your experience?, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
Just wanted to mention, the wee little cuts increased on Lamictal, even tho it has otherwise been totally beneficial, I asked my doc if this was tic behavior, and he said it's now thought of more as OCD. I should say, I do picking. . .
BUT, then it disappeared when I added Provigil!
This is all so weird. Go figure.
Best,
Zo
Posted by mike21 on April 7, 2002, at 8:01:58
In reply to Help....naltrexone - what's your experience?, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
This is an interesting article I found that deals with the use of narcotic antagonists like naltrexone in the treatment of OCD. It is fairly long, so I will not reprint it here.
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/7823/opiates.txt
> Hi People,
>
> My doctor is having me try a little naltrexone because I'm having some breakthrough depression while on Lamictal. When I tried Celexa a while back for a boost I started cycling. I'm gradually raising Lamictal again, but it sounds like the naltrexone would act quickly. This is a new class of drug for me and I was just wondering what kinds of experiences people have had with it. Did it help depression? Did it help anything else? Urges to...um...give oneself wee little cuts..? Side effects?
>
> Thanks so much. This board has been so generous with input.
> Emme
Posted by Emme on April 7, 2002, at 22:09:03
In reply to Help....naltrexone - what's your experience?, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:28:21
Thanks for the input folks. I seem to be in a state of almost anaesthesia. I sleep a lot and seem to be a zombie - too tired to post much. So I guess I can feel how this stuff reduces unwanted behaviors. And all other behvior period, and ability to find words to boot. Will try experimenting with dosage for a few more days before passing final judgment.
Thanks, Emme
Posted by Emme on April 9, 2002, at 8:43:21
In reply to naltrexone - what's your experience? - Emme, posted by Bekka H. on April 6, 2002, at 19:20:46
Bekka,
I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. I've been a bit spacey. The naltrexone seems to be making me a bit out of it. Naltrexone blocks opiate receptors. Supposed to be helpful with drug and alcohol addition, OCD-type behaviors, ruminating thoughts, and self-injurious behaviors, and my doctor says it can have some AD benefit for some people. When I am in intense emotional pain, especially when in a long crying fit, I feel like I want to cut myself (there, I just wrote it for all the internet world to see, even though I am profoundly ashamed). Have only acted twice and they were teeny. I don't think I'll do again, especially since I have a very low pain threshold, but I sometimes feel like it. So she though naltrexone might help. But I think if we stop the emotional pain, these other urges will vanish - that's what usually happens. Anyway, I do feel drugged on this stuff, though I have no particularly unpleasant side ffects. No nausea or anything. Just kinda tired. And I'm not so sure a state of emotional numbness is such a bad thing for a little while. To heck with cognitive function. ;)
cheers,
Emme> Hi. I'm not familiar with naltrexone. Can you tell me about it? What class of drugs does it belong to? Thanks.
>
> Bekka
Posted by Chloe on April 9, 2002, at 19:42:19
In reply to Re: naltrexone - what's your experience? - Emme » Bekka H., posted by Emme on April 9, 2002, at 8:43:21
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
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
Posted by Emme on April 11, 2002, at 7:08:29
In reply to Re: naltrexone-emotional pain- Emme, posted by Chloe on April 9, 2002, at 19:42:19
Chloe,
Hope you're starting to feel more settled and better able to sleep. Have yourself a good weekend and do something nice for yourself. I haven't slept much the last two nights, but my taxes are done before April 14! I could wish for touch of that emotional numbness right now. :) But since naltrexone didn't work out, I'll have to do without. Having cognitive function back doesn't hurt though - I feel worse about myself when I can't get anything done at work.
Thinking about motives to cut myself, I think part of it is a pain swap. During intense emotion, the physical pain drops my level of emotional arousal, even if only for a second. I am a wuss and can't stand pain, thus lots of urges and the occasional slight poke, but only two minor skin-breaking events and no regular habit. I was devastated that I did such a thing. But there it was. The other part is that at the pit of depression I felt I was so worthless that I had to do something to punish myself. It's distressing that these thoughts are part of my set of symptoms. When the depression is under control, they vanish. Permanent vanishing would be nice. I guess the best thing is to continue to try to manage the depression. I'm at 85 mg Lamictal, shooting for 100 and hoping it adds more stability...
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
Posted by chloe on April 15, 2002, at 20:51:29
In reply to Re: naltrexone-emotional pain- Emme » Chloe, posted by Emme on April 11, 2002, at 7:08:29
Hi Emme,
I hope you are managing ok without the Nalt. That sounds like a strong drug. Is it something you could use prn when you feel the need to cut?I have become quite destabilized. All my exuberance at the beginning of the month has turned into a rather psychotic agitated rage. I am furious at some workmen that didn't do the job they quoted to me. And they are hounding me for the money. But I don't think they are being scrupulous. But I am not sure I am thinking straight. So I am taking out all my rage and frustration on everyone close to me as I try to figure out what is REALLY going on.
SO, since I can't take AP's (that I desperately need!), I think I have to bump up the Lithium. (I am hoping I can do this now, since I have added 1+ TBS Flaxseed oil to my diet. My scalp pain/burning is getting better!) That is the only mood stabilizer of the three that helps with my psychotic thoughts... I get so scared when I can't trust people. Spring is a really hard time for me. I am so confused and I was so angry today, but I just went for a run and feel a little better.
I am rambling. Did you get the job? I hope so. How is the Lamictal increase going?
Chloe
Posted by Emme on April 17, 2002, at 19:48:18
In reply to Re: naltrexone-emotional pain- Emme, posted by chloe on April 15, 2002, at 20:51:29
Hi Chloe,
Well, I think I'd better stay away from the stuff. At least for now. The only possibility would be a micro-dose, but I'd have to hash it out with my doctor first.
I escaped for a few days to go visit friends. My mood was much better being away from home. I guess my ambient stress level isn't doing me any good. The medication does a lot, but a more settled life sure would augment things. Dunno about job yet.
I'm sorry to hear your situation is worsening. Having the distorted thoughts sounds frightening. Good luck with the Li. It does seem to be the one thing that always works for you. May your scalp stay happy. I forget - are you taking anything else?
I need to follow your good example and start running again myself. Does some of your rage simmer down when you run?
take care,
Emme> I hope you are managing ok without the Nalt. That sounds like a strong drug. Is it something you could use prn when you feel the need to cut?
>
> I have become quite destabilized. All my exuberance at the beginning of the month has turned into a rather psychotic agitated rage. I am furious at some workmen that didn't do the job they quoted to me. And they are hounding me for the money. But I don't think they are being scrupulous. But I am not sure I am thinking straight. So I am taking out all my rage and frustration on everyone close to me as I try to figure out what is REALLY going on.
>
> SO, since I can't take AP's (that I desperately need!), I think I have to bump up the Lithium. (I am hoping I can do this now, since I have added 1+ TBS Flaxseed oil to my diet. My scalp pain/burning is getting better!) That is the only mood stabilizer of the three that helps with my psychotic thoughts... I get so scared when I can't trust people. Spring is a really hard time for me. I am so confused and I was so angry today, but I just went for a run and feel a little better.
>
> I am rambling. Did you get the job? I hope so. How is the Lamictal increase going?
> Chloe
Posted by Chloe on April 18, 2002, at 21:05:30
In reply to Re: naltrexone-emotional pain- Emme » chloe, posted by Emme on April 17, 2002, at 19:48:18
> Hi Chloe,
>
> Well, I think I'd better stay away from the stuff. At least for now. The only possibility would be a micro-dose, but I'd have to hash it out with my doctor first.
>
> I escaped for a few days to go visit friends. My mood was much better being away from home. I guess my ambient stress level isn't doing me any good. The medication does a lot, but a more settled life sure would augment things. Dunno about job yet.
>
> I'm sorry to hear your situation is worsening. Having the distorted thoughts sounds frightening. Good luck with the Li. It does seem to be the one thing that always works for you. May your scalp stay happy. I forget - are you taking anything else?
>
> I need to follow your good example and start running again myself. Does some of your rage simmer down when you run?
>
> take care,
> Emme
Hi Emme,
I am glad you got away for a bit. Sometimes getting out of a situation can give you some perspective...I am really having trouble with my body/meds...
The small amount of everything doesn't seem to be working ok but the increase is giving me scalp and skin sensitivity again.(GRR)
I am on 250 depakote
225 lithium (just increase from 112 mgs)
600 neurontin
1.3 Celexa
20 amitriptyline
10 diazapam
Yasmin (birth control pill to stop PMS)and 1 Tablespoon Flaxseed oil(maybe I need two TBS if the scalp burn is back, but that seems like too much!!! Anyone know?), multivit, 800 vita E, probiotics, and I think that's it.
Well, the increase in Lithium really put the Kabash on my hypo mood. Now I am dragging and miserable all the time. I just keep blurting out, "I feel so awful." Can't tell what is going on. Perhaps I am depressed now, since adding more Li?
Another problem is that I have had my period for over 2 weeks. The BCP was doing a great job of stopping my periods, hence stoppping any PMS symptoms. So I don't know what is depression and tiredness from a long period/hormones and what is just my BP2 chemistry.
All I know is that I jsut want to sleep all the time, but I force myself to do stuff. But I am so cranky, dragging myself out to shop for groceries, or to work half a day. My body got so heavy.
To answer your question, exercise is a wonderful thing for me. I really need to do *some* each day. But when I get hypomanic/mixed or agitated, I can turn a 2 mile jog into a five+ mile RUN. That burst of expenditure really takes the edge off of my rage, and I *tend* to think more clearly after exercise.
How are you managing with your life/meds? Is Lamictal still helping? It's so hard for me to write clearly at the moment... Got to go to bed. Thanks for writing and caring :)
Chloe
Posted by Ritch on April 18, 2002, at 23:43:50
In reply to Re: emotional pain, meds problems..., posted by Chloe on April 18, 2002, at 21:05:30
> I am on 250 depakote
> 225 lithium (just increase from 112 mgs)
> 600 neurontin
> 1.3 Celexa
> 20 amitriptyline
> 10 diazapam
> Yasmin (birth control pill to stop PMS)
>
> and 1 Tablespoon Flaxseed oil(maybe I need two TBS if the scalp burn is back, but that seems like too much!!! Anyone know?), multivit, 800 vita E, probiotics, and I think that's it.
> ChloeHi Chloe,
You are on some similar stuff that I am on.
125mg Depakote
300mg Neurontin
.5mg Klonopin
1.25mg Celexa (every other day)
2G Flax Oiland 5mg/day of Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
..when the pharmacy gets it ordered-there is
noone in town that has any of it.
I had trouble with Dexedrine making me drowsy and foggy-headed. Adderall I could focus on but made me too nervous. So, I asked the question today-"Do I have to be anxious/vigilant in order to stay on track?" The answer was no-let's check out alternatives. OK. So, we are trying the Ritalinesque alternatives. Wish me luck.Mitch
Posted by Chloe on April 19, 2002, at 9:38:45
In reply to polypharmacy city » Chloe, posted by Ritch on April 18, 2002, at 23:43:50
> > I am on 250 depakote
> > 225 lithium (just increase from 112 mgs)
> > 600 neurontin
> > 1.3 Celexa
> > 20 amitriptyline
> > 10 diazapam
> > Yasmin (birth control pill to stop PMS)
> >
> > and 1 Tablespoon Flaxseed oil(maybe I need two TBS if the scalp burn is back, but that seems like too much!!! Anyone know?), multivit, 800 vita E, probiotics, and I think that's it.
> > Chloe
>
> Hi Chloe,
>
> You are on some similar stuff that I am on.
> 125mg Depakote
> 300mg Neurontin
> .5mg Klonopin
> 1.25mg Celexa (every other day)
> 2G Flax Oil
>
> and 5mg/day of Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
> ..when the pharmacy gets it ordered-there is
> noone in town that has any of it.
> I had trouble with Dexedrine making me drowsy and foggy-headed. Adderall I could focus on but made me too nervous. So, I asked the question today-"Do I have to be anxious/vigilant in order to stay on track?" The answer was no-let's check out alternatives. OK. So, we are trying the Ritalinesque alternatives. Wish me luck.
>
> MitchHey Mitch
It seems like a little of a lot of different meds goes a long way for us!
Gee, I really hope the focalin works. Sounds great in theory. Let us know how it in vivo!Chloe
This is the end of the thread.
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