Posted by pablo1 on August 1, 2004, at 15:55:34
In reply to MORPHINE- and derivitives for depression, posted by paulbwell on July 8, 2004, at 5:27:08
A few thoughts on the topic...
Couldn't an opiate like that have the proper antidepressant effect in low doses if prescribed or does it just not work unless you get to the massive euphoria of shooting up? I can't imagine taking such strong drugs like that anyways... I had some pill in the hospital once after appendicitis surgery and was so dizzy and felt I was going to float out of my body and was pretty scared.
Something similar I was reading about is Xyrem (GHB) which if you don't binge is supposed to have a therapeutic effect in doses that *do* get you high but only for a few hours and not the sort of heavenly euphoria of heroine (some people don't even like it). Unfortunately it's nearly impossible to get now and the addiction is quite awful. But it sounds wonderful used in moderation long term with no ill effects. It could concievably be prescribed off label but not damn likely. It is a GABA enhancer that also effects dopamine.
Another thought is those Holosync meditation tapes which sound awfully gimmicky but I know people who swear by them. Supposed to use special frequencies to stimulate the brain (kinda like some other electric stimulation devices) to control brain waves like if you practiced brain wave biofeedback. Supposed to decrease cortisol & increase endorphins (they say it actually does in studies) which gives that shield of protection against pain like childhood as described. Endorphins are what give you runner's high (if you had the energy to exercise). Certainly there's the effect of forced meditation & relaxation also. And it's bundled with a CB Therapy approach as well.
Well anyways the common thread there is none of these makes you feel like crap as the SSRI's & others can do.
Of the above options, heroine perhaps has the least lasting effect. The appeal of the Xyrem is it's supposed to make depression evaporate and have some impact later as well.. and useful for releasing emotions in therapy like the tapes. SSRI's also I think can work this way and have a lasting impact allowing you to feel strong enough to move forward in life. I get the impression heroine is really not useful that way unless it was only once to remind you that it is possible to feel good when you had forgot.
poster:pablo1
thread:363941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040730/msgs/372915.html