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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by TexasDale on October 24, 2000, at 21:31:57
I hope this is the right place to ask this question. I have looked all over the Internet for a question and answer forum on this subject. If anyone knows of a more appropriate place then please let me know. I would prefer specialists' comments but would welcome and appreciate any input.
I have been addicted to Opiates such as Darvon and Vicodin for five years. I stopped taking them three weeks ago. I went through some very painful withdrawals, but I still have no energy and am restless at the same time. I am not able to work. I know that my body will eventually start producing the necessary chemicals to give me energy again. Until then I have been taking Ritalin. It gives me energy while calms me. My question is will taking the Ritalin retard my body from starting to produce the chemicals to give me energy again. I am not planning to continue taking it. Only until I get my energy level back.Thanks for any help,
Dale
Posted by Buffet on October 25, 2000, at 1:42:05
In reply to Withdrawal from Vicodin / Darvon, posted by TexasDAle on October 24, 2000, at 23:19:47
Dale,
Keep it up. It wil take a while until you feel 100%. I would be careful taking the ritalin because your obviously prone to dependance and addiction. Your past the hardest part of opiate withdrawal but be careful not to switch to another addiction. I will warn you that when I came off of a five month long binge of opiates, I became depressed (much more than usual) and it was very easy to succomb to alcohol, barbs, or anything else I could get my hands on. It took me over a month to fully recover, and in your case it will be somewhat longer.
Posted by JohnL on October 25, 2000, at 3:56:12
In reply to Withdrawing from Vicodin Darvon, posted by TexasDale on October 24, 2000, at 21:31:57
Dale,
In a small population of heroin/opiate addicts, patients were normalized during and after detox using medicine. Below are statistics of which medicines worked.Lithium Worked for 30% of them
Stimulants 30%
Norepinephrine antidepressants 18%
Serotonin antidepressants 2%
Benzodiazepines 20%
Depakote 10%
Tegretol 10%
Antipsychotics 10%Statistically, Ritalin is a decent treatment for you, since 30% of addicts also found it helpful, and it was one of the two best performing medications. Most doctors probably never would have thought about Lithium, but it was also an equally best choice.
The problem with either Ritalin or the benzos is that they are themselves addicting. You may find it hard to get off Ritalin when you're ready to. Lithium and/or Wellbutrin could be good substitutes that won't be addicting. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant known for its stimulating properties, and could provide the energy you're looking for.
The Nootropics are excellent for energy, even for someone completely normalized. Top choices would be Hydergine, Piracetam, Lucidril, or small doses of all three combined. Another good one is ATP. Adrafinil could be a good choice too. No shortage of options.
John
Posted by rogdog on October 25, 2000, at 12:18:02
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Vicodin / Darvon, posted by Buffet on October 25, 2000, at 1:42:05
Hi texas, it may take a little while too get back to normal.. i was on a little stronger opiates for nearly 4 years and it took me a good 3 months to where I could function normally. in my case I have had a chemical imbalance all of my life and I still continue to take medication for that ,and I dont know in your case ,but there might be an underling imbalance thats been there before you even started taking those other drugs, and that might need to be addressed with medication
but it does get better every day, and i would for sure! recommend lots of exercise, this accelerates the process and restores alot of the natural "opiates" back into your body. try mabey running a half mile a day and see if that helps.. good luck, and god bless,
Rogdog
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