Posted by desertflower on August 10, 2001, at 17:03:28
In reply to Re: buprenorphine, posted by Elizabeth on August 10, 2001, at 16:32:45
> > I don't think that there must be bad news here. It is perfectly legal for a physician here in the U.S. to prescribe buprenorphine for depression, or actually any reason the physician sees fit, with the exception of opioid addiction withdrawal.
>
> That's true, but finding a doctor who's willing to do it -- particularly if the person has been in maintenance treatment for opioid dependence -- is not trivial.
>
> > Your husband might possibly fit into some category other than opioid withdrawal.
>
> That seems like the best way to approach it, although I can see it being questioned if it came to the attention of the authorities.
>
> > The only published reference that I have seen regarding its use as an antidepressant was a reference on this board.
>
> The two main references on the subject are
>
> (1) a small, open-label study:
> Buprenorphine treatment of refractory depression. Bodkin JA, Zornberg GL, Lukas SE, Cole JO. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1995 Feb;15(1):49-57.
>
> and (2) the letter to the editor you mentioned:
> Buprenorphine for depression: the un-adoptable orphan. Callaway E. Biol Psychiatry. 1996 Jun 15;39(12):989-90.
>
> Some articles discuss the antidepressant effects of buprenorphine in dually-diagnosed addicts; for example:
>
> Buprenorphine responders: a diagnostic subgroup of heroin addicts? Resnick RB, Resnick E, Galanter M. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1991;15(4):531-8.
>
> Buprenorphine responders. Mongan L, Callaway E. Biol Psychiatry. 1990 Dec 15;28(12):1078-80.
> (can be read online at http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/9740/buprespond.html)
>
> There are also some other references regarding the use of opioids other than buprenorphine as antidepressants.
>
> Desertflower, I hope that the rumour that SL buprenorphine will be available in the USA next year is true. It would sure make my life a lot easier.
>
> -elizabethElizabeth:
Thank you for your sharing of knowledge. It is so comforting to know there is understanding out there in the world. We are hoping the order from the online pharmacy will come through; in the meantime, waiting patiently and hopefully.
poster:desertflower
thread:74353
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74523.html