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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Null Terminator on May 13, 2009, at 18:16:37
Hi. I learned about buprenorphine for depression by reading a post on this forum. Now, my pdoc has just prescribed it to me, and I have a couple questions for people currently taking bupe.First, I was wondering what side effects you experienced on taking the first dose. I would especially like to hear from people who had never taken an opiod prior to bupe. The literature suggests that it isn't well tolerated and I'll have to get used to it.
Second, is the effect (if any) really noticable within a couple hours of taking the med? That seems awfully fast.
Finally, a logistical issue. I'm supposed to take .25mg of Subutex for my first dose, but the 2mg Subutex seems hard to break into eighths. Is there a precision tool I can use to do it without turning the tablet into powder?
I'd also like to hear any general thoughts from people who are on bupe for depression so I know what to expect. Thanks.
Posted by Chairman_MAO on May 13, 2009, at 20:06:34
In reply to pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions, posted by Null Terminator on May 13, 2009, at 18:16:37
If you want to start at such a low dosage, you can
have your doctor prescribe Temegesic 0.2mg tabs.
If those aren't available in your country,
use the 0.3mg Buprenex ampoules (dump under tongue).
Alternatively, consult a [compounding] pharmacy.
Posted by Phillipa on May 13, 2009, at 20:32:59
In reply to Re: pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions » Null Terminator, posted by Chairman_MAO on May 13, 2009, at 20:06:34
Wow lucky you hear it's great. Know two on it now. Good luck and please post results. Phillipa
Posted by raisinb on May 13, 2009, at 21:26:26
In reply to pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions, posted by Null Terminator on May 13, 2009, at 18:16:37
I don't know much about that drug, but in terms of cutting pills, I have a $5 pill cutter from Walgreens that works great. I have cut tiny tablets into eight or ten pieces.
Posted by Jimmyboy on May 13, 2009, at 23:34:33
In reply to pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions, posted by Null Terminator on May 13, 2009, at 18:16:37
Hey Null,
Just out of curiosity, are you in the US? Keep the updates comin' , we are interested...
Posted by Null Terminator on May 14, 2009, at 16:33:16
In reply to Re: pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions » Null Terminator, posted by Jimmyboy on May 13, 2009, at 23:34:33
> Hey Null,
>
> Just out of curiosity, are you in the US? Keep the updates comin' , we are interested...Yes, I'm in the US. I just took my first dose five minutes ago. Now all I can do is pray that it works and that it works as fast as some others say. God knows I need it.
Posted by Jimmyboy on May 14, 2009, at 21:20:50
In reply to Re: pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions, posted by Null Terminator on May 14, 2009, at 16:33:16
Good luck , keep everyone posted on your progress...
Posted by Neal on May 15, 2009, at 4:27:36
In reply to pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions, posted by Null Terminator on May 13, 2009, at 18:16:37
>
> Hi. I learned about buprenorphine for depression by reading a post on this forum. Now, my pdoc has just prescribed it to me, and I have a couple questions for people currently taking bupe.I take it.
>
> First, I was wondering what side effects you experienced on taking the first dose. I would especially like to hear from people who had never taken an opiod prior to bupe. The literature suggests that it isn't well tolerated and I'll have to get used to it.I didn't experience any bad side effects. But everyone is different. The main side effects I noticed was a bit of constipation (eat oatmeal or the like, drink liquids) and some itching about 3 hours after taking.
>
> Second, is the effect (if any) really noticable within a couple hours of taking the med? That seems awfully fast.It's noticable almost immediately. But at .25mg your hardly going to notice much. That's fairly low dosage, but it's good to start low.
>
> Finally, a logistical issue. I'm supposed to take .25mg of Subutex for my first dose, but the 2mg Subutex seems hard to break into eighths. Is there a precision tool I can use to do it without turning the tablet into powder?Well, go to an art store and buy an Xacto Knife or get a pill splitter at a pharmacy.
>
> I'd also like to hear any general thoughts from people who are on bupe for depression so I know what to expect. Thanks.I started a few years ago. The ADs were good, but didn't get me to 100%. I took the bupe that a friend had for pain. One I found a good dosage, I knew it was doing something. It also got rid of a nagging backache that I'd had for years.
But, this is important, from the studies I've seen, bupe doesen't work for everyone. Maybe 20 to 25% will get some AD benefit from it.
Let me know how you make do. Or if you have further questions. You can email me if you want.
Posted by Neal on May 15, 2009, at 4:40:43
In reply to Re: pdoc prescribed me bupe for depression - questions » Null Terminator, posted by Neal on May 15, 2009, at 4:27:36
_
BTW, anyone taking bupe should know that it will show up in blood tests. I'm not sure about urine test, but probably. Something to think about if you ever seek employment in which they administer drug testing. I hear there are sophisticated ways to "beat" the urine test, but just something to think about.The problem with bupe is not it's efficacy for some, it's drug hysteria and societal stigma that anyone considering its use has to understand before deciding to try it or not.
_
This is the end of the thread.
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