Posted by madwand on October 17, 2003, at 20:27:38
In reply to Vicodin and Anxiety, posted by Elle2021 on October 17, 2003, at 4:51:52
Elle,
My experience with Vicodin (actually with Lortab -- its "clone" -- same thing) was somewhat similar and perhaps may prove helpful to you. I encountered Lortab shortly before going on Lexapro and noticed the wonderful effect Lortab has on my mood (not "high" -- but the old enthusiasm returning). In a similar timeframe I got put on a betablocker which had the exact opposite effect -- making me more depressed (a known side-effect of betablockers).
It was really the contrast between the two and my daily state that gave me that nudge to go on Lexapro. One reminded me of how good things can be, while the other showed me how bad it could get.
Well, now I'm on Lexapro (about 9-10 weeks) and still occasionally need the Lortab for pain. And yes, it still has a more profound effect than the Lexapro. But during a recent "increase" in pain I decided to switch temporarily to a high dose of Ibuprofen (my stomach can only handle that for a few days) to keep from using too much Lortab.
And guess what? My mood wasn't quite at the Lortab level but it was pretty darn close! I have noticed this a couple of times. And since that is not a known side-effect of Ibuprofen (nor have I ever had such a reaction to it), I came up with two conclusions:(1) The Lexapro is working better than I thought, and that some of the benefit of the Lortab wasn't in its euphoric side-effect but in cutting down the pain and discomfort. Thus when the Ibuprofen helped with that my mood also improved.
(2) The Lortab "reminded" me, not just at a conscious but at a sub-conscious level, of what it is like to feel good. I believe that the SSRIs don't "change" your mood so much as release the clutch a bit -- allowing your mood to change. So in that way the Lortab helped because it showed part of me the right direction to "move" when Lexapro released the clutch.
And why is this long ramble relevant to you? Well perhaps it isn't, but I suspect that part (2) might be true for you as well. In other words, let the Vicodin "show" you your preferred state, and then let the other medications "invite" you back to it.
And if it is of absolutely *no* use then, hey, in bad moments you can at least take solace in the fact that you aren't completely out in space like a certain dude on PB <g>.
In any case, I hope your weekend goes well!Michael
poster:madwand
thread:270119
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031015/msgs/270402.html