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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by judy1 on November 6, 2001, at 23:49:16
Hi,
I am tapering off fentanyl before I have my baby and find myself plunging into depression. It's obvious what's going on, just was wondering if anyone had thoughts on safe medications to try to stave off the big D. I find I can't be honest with my doc because I'm afraid of hospitals. (Just a reminder I can't take AD's because I get manic) Thank you for your thoughts- judy
Posted by Thrud on November 7, 2001, at 0:33:03
In reply to Any suggestions- trying to stop depression, posted by judy1 on November 6, 2001, at 23:49:16
Hi Judy.
You'll probably hate what I have to say here but....in my country they prefer to administer ECT to pregnant women suffering from depression, to protect the baby from drugs.
Sorry to lay that one on you.
Thrud
Posted by judy1 on November 7, 2001, at 10:04:22
In reply to Re: Any suggestions- trying to stop depression, posted by Thrud on November 7, 2001, at 0:33:03
I know (and you're right I do hate the thought of that) but I think that's a last resort. I know I can take APs if necessary too; thank you for responding- judy
Posted by SLS on November 7, 2001, at 17:00:40
In reply to Any suggestions- trying to stop depression, posted by judy1 on November 6, 2001, at 23:49:16
> Hi,
> I am tapering off fentanyl before I have my baby and find myself plunging into depression. It's obvious what's going on, just was wondering if anyone had thoughts on safe medications to try to stave off the big D. I find I can't be honest with my doc because I'm afraid of hospitals. (Just a reminder I can't take AD's because I get manic) Thank you for your thoughts- judy
Judy,Congratulations!
How did you come to start taking fentanyl? Have you been using it strictly as an antidepressant? How well does it work? What are the side effects?
Maybe you'll get lucky. Many women experience a remission of depression during pregnancy. Unfortunately, I think this effect begins during the second trimester. I'm not sure, though.
- Scott
Posted by noa on November 7, 2001, at 18:38:41
In reply to Re: Any suggestions- trying to stop depression » judy1, posted by SLS on November 7, 2001, at 17:00:40
Hi, Judy. Was I not paying attention? I totally missed the news that you were pregnant! Congratulations.
Posted by judy1 on November 7, 2001, at 19:32:28
In reply to Re: Any suggestions- trying to stop depression » judy1, posted by SLS on November 7, 2001, at 17:00:40
Hi Scott,
I wasn't real honest (like they would have given me a drug like that if I was) but I have ugly MRI's of herniated discs (from a car accident) and I have had really painful flare-ups each time having a wonderful anti-depressant effect once I was on the duragesic patch. So this time it was more for psychotropic reasons and w/o a doubt it is the best AD I have ever taken- of course you build tolerance but other than that no side effects maybe constipation big deal. I know we've had discussions on opiates before on this forum and they work great for some people. Have you ever tried them? Thanks for the congrats- judy
Posted by judy1 on November 7, 2001, at 19:34:10
In reply to Re: Any suggestions- trying to stop depression, posted by noa on November 7, 2001, at 18:38:41
Hi Noa,
I think you weren't her for a while (and I hope it was because you've been doing well) but yes I'm expecting and thank you for the well wishes- judy
Posted by shelliR on November 7, 2001, at 22:35:11
In reply to Any suggestions- trying to stop depression, posted by judy1 on November 6, 2001, at 23:49:16
Hi judy.
Do APs help your depression? It would just be for a few months. What would be the down-side?
Also, don't the pain management people have any ideas?Shelli
>
Posted by SLS on November 8, 2001, at 8:00:01
In reply to Re: Any suggestions- trying to stop depression » SLS, posted by judy1 on November 7, 2001, at 19:32:28
> Hi Scott,
> I wasn't real honest (like they would have given me a drug like that if I was) but I have ugly MRI's of herniated discs (from a car accident) and I have had really painful flare-ups each time having a wonderful anti-depressant effect once I was on the duragesic patch. So this time it was more for psychotropic reasons and w/o a doubt it is the best AD I have ever taken- of course you build tolerance but other than that no side effects maybe constipation big deal. I know we've had discussions on opiates before on this forum and they work great for some people. Have you ever tried them? Thanks for the congrats- judy
Hi Judy.I have not yet tried one, but because people like you have been brave, constructive, and caring enough to describe their experiences with opioids and provide good information, I am definitely considering it.
I have twice brought this up with my doctor. The first time I described people's experiences with oxycodone, he dismissed their descriptions as being simply the result of the euphoriant effects that anyone would experience with an opioid, but that this was not a true antidepressant effect. The second time I brought it up (last week), I mentioned Dr. Bodkin's name and asserted that I was impressed enough by the character and reporting practices of those who were using opioids to believe that it was a true antidepressant effect that they were experiencing. He was much more receptive this time, and had obviously taken the time to do some research into the matter during the interim between visits. I liked that a lot.
I had the opportunity to try Vicoden during a visit to a friend who was taking it for post-operative pain. I told my doctor about this, and I could see in his face that he was not going to be happy about my story of self-experimentation as it was unfolding. However, I eventually told him that I didn't try it. I also told him why I didn't try it. I was truly afraid that it might work. He just smiled.
Thanks for the suggestion.
- Scott
Posted by judy1 on November 9, 2001, at 3:56:33
In reply to Re: Any suggestions- trying to stop depression » judy1, posted by shelliR on November 7, 2001, at 22:35:11
Hi Shelli,
No they don't help depression just if I get psychotic which happened after my last pregnancy. The pain people just want me off narcotics which I understand so the baby won't be addicted but they have alternatives like epidurals (which don't work) or tens, etc. Actually nothing to help depression. Take care- judy
Posted by judy1 on November 9, 2001, at 4:06:02
In reply to Re: Any suggestions- trying to stop depression » judy1, posted by SLS on November 8, 2001, at 8:00:01
Some docs are so afraid of opiates, I'm assuming addiction and I don't want to lead you down the wrong path, but I know there are a lot of meds you try (w/o permission?) and it may be worth trying 1 or 2. Vicodin isn't that strong, maybe medium and has too much APAP- Norco is 10/325 versus vicodin's 5/500 of hydrocodone. I've had lots of discussions with my doc and he tells me great stories about all these famous people who took opiates for depression, and while he doesn't like the amounts I've taken he actually is supportive of the concept. So I don't know if you feel guilt doing something your pdoc would disapprove of but I also read how unremitting your depression is. I'm rambling, aren't I?- Judy
This is the end of the thread.
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