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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lynn on February 27, 1999, at 0:12:54
I have the usual history of depression, I won't get into that other than to say I take effexor, 300mg daily. I also have a history of self-injury, started it in my teens.
After my last treatment for deperession abt 5 yrs ago, I thought it was under control. Unitl recently, I hadn't done it.I am a cutter, I use razors to cut myself. This is not considered to be suicdal. But, it does seem to have an almost addictive quality to it. The more I do it, the more I want to do it. I have many urls's for info on it, have discussed it w/my T and pdoc...I can't seem to stop. And for the first time ever, it's scaring me. I want to see more blood every time I do it. Last time I knicked a vein, the blood gushed. Took quite awhile to get it stopped, using pessure & ellvating it.
Are there any meds that might help...any new trmnt that might be effective? It's really scaring me & yet I can't stop.
Posted by Jim on February 27, 1999, at 11:23:28
In reply to self-injury, posted by lynn on February 27, 1999, at 0:12:54
Lynn,
As I understand it, a number of different medications have shown some success in treating self-injuring behavior--including antidepressants such as the one you're on.But a different and perhaps more useful medication to look into might be NALTREXONE -- there's quite a bit about its use with self-injurying behavior on the "tips" part of Dr. Bob's site, in fact. Naltrexone is a relatively safe "opioid antagonist" medication that seems helpful in a variety of addictive situations -- specifically, it seems to work by helping to block the constant craving for the addictive "rush" that comes from stimulating your natural opioid receptors in various ways. (It's particularly popular these days in treating alcohol and opiate addiction, but seems to often be effective with various other kinds of addictive behavior too, such as self-injury, food binging, even gambling, I think.) In some people it even seems to help relieve depression too. You might look into to this option more and bring it up with your doctor(s). Best of luck-- it's overcomable!
-- Jim
Lynn wrote:
> I have the usual history of depression, I won't get into that other than to say I take effexor, 300mg daily. I also have a history of self-injury, started it in my teens.
> After my last treatment for deperession abt 5 yrs ago, I thought it was under control. Unitl recently, I hadn't done it.
>
> I am a cutter, I use razors to cut myself. This is not considered to be suicdal. But, it does seem to have an almost addictive quality to it. The more I do it, the more I want to do it. I have many urls's for info on it, have discussed it w/my T and pdoc...I can't seem to stop. And for the first time ever, it's scaring me. I want to see more blood every time I do it. Last time I knicked a vein, the blood gushed. Took quite awhile to get it stopped, using pessure & ellvating it.
>
> Are there any meds that might help...any new trmnt that might be effective? It's really scaring me & yet I can't stop.
Posted by patty gates on February 27, 1999, at 22:29:00
In reply to Re: self-injury--naltrexone?, posted by Jim on February 27, 1999, at 11:23:28
Lynn,
Have you been diagnosed as Borderline? Are you by any chance trying Dialectical Behavior Therapy? Many people have had quite a bit of luck with that therapy approach. Are you currently taking an antidepressant? Hope you can get a grip on the cutting.
Posted by patty gates on February 27, 1999, at 22:31:11
In reply to self-injury, posted by lynn on February 27, 1999, at 0:12:54
Lynn,
Oops! I re-read and see that you're taking Effexor. My son has been real pleased with that. What has your experience been with it?
Posted by anonymous on February 28, 1999, at 16:28:29
In reply to Re: self-injury, posted by patty gates on February 27, 1999, at 22:31:11
> Lynn,
>
> Oops! I re-read and see that you're taking Effexor. My son has been real pleased with that. What has your experience been with it?
I have seen good results in people with cutting behaviors who have tried naltrexone (brand Revia.) It seems to interrupt the need for the behavior. Ask your doctor and give it a try.
This is the end of the thread.
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