Posted by Elizabeth on August 10, 2001, at 17:17:11
In reply to Re: France vs. USA: no contest, posted by desertflower on August 10, 2001, at 13:50:41
> Today we talked to his primary care physician who said he can't even give him bupe for depression, and the only alternative is to go into a methadone clinic.
"Can't" is a strong word. "Won't" would be more accurate -- a doctor *can* prescribe buprenorphine for any condition *except* opioid dependence. It's arguable, though, that your husband is being treated for opioid dependence.
That said, a GP is very unlikely to prescribe buprenorphine for depression. You might have more luck with a psychiatrist. Take a look at the following article:
http://balder.prohosting.com/~adhpage/bupe.html
The primary author is the doctor who originally suggested buprenorphine to me.
> I told him my husband is not using drugs, and a methadone clinic is not what he needs.
Well, he is being treated for opioid addiction, so I can see their point. The question is, if he went off buprenorphine, became depressed, and sought treatment without a relapse of his former addiction, would it be reasonable to reinstate the buprenorphine treatment?
It's a curious situation. I'll ask my ethics consultant. < VBG >
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:17065
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74527.html