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Question regarding Suboxone (How it relates to depression)

3K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  Nesretep 
#1 ·
Ok, so I have been reading studies regarding suboxone and how it relates to depression. It interests me because I am someone who suffers from intractable headaches and chronic back pain that has never received proper preventative or abortive treatment, and I think something like this might be better in the sense that I have to take less medications to achieve the same goal. I have a few questions.

1. This is purely out of curiosity and mostly because I am ignorant about how these medications work. But, can someone explain to me exactly why suboxone is prescribed for opiate discontinuation. Maybe I am not looking in the correct place, but why is it that an opioid is given to someone who is coming off of opioids? Is it because it doesn't cause euphoria? If so, why are there cases of it being abused? Does it also have something to do with it eliminating withdrawal symptoms? In short, is it because suboxone can't be abused and it also eliminates the need for a 'fix' from the addict?

2. How would one go about getting suboxone prescribed as a pain-management medication (along with depression). I only really see it advertised by psychiatrists who are trying to get people off of drug addiction. Would you see a pain management doctor (because I don't think they prescribed suboxone for that purpose as much, I could be wrong), or do you have to see a suboxone specialized psychiatrist and explain that you don't want it for opioid addiction, but as a depression/pain-management option?

Thanks for the help and I apologize if these questions are not related to this forum section.
 
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#2 ·
I Remember taking suboxone strips once or twice because me and my friend where using alot of opiates and his girlfriend had suboxone prescribed. It was pretty great man. Lemme explain, Made my withdrawl from smoking Heroin (never injected thank god! But came close) go away 100 percent which was GREAT! and on top of that made me really social and happy and it was a bit euphoric to but nothin to special. Its prescribed for opiate dependence. Simply goto a doctor say ur addicted to Oxycontin or something and they will most likely script Suboxone. Methadone is used less because its pretty damn addicting and creates its own addiction. Some Psychiatrists specialize in prescribing it and will prescribe it for opiate dependence. Not Sure if GP's script it. Most likely they will refer you to a specialist. Because im not sure if you can stay on it long term, Its used as a treatment program and your dose is dropped over time. Unless you can persuade your doc.
 
#3 ·
I'm pretty sure pain management doctors do use suboxone on occasion, although I still wouldn't ask for it by name and I don't know anyone personally who's on it. It's been awhile since I read about this stuff but I believe in low doses its believed it helps with depression by being a kappa opioid antagonist, which is what makes it unique from other opiates.

I've seen some pretty good anecdotes on suboxone, but mostly from ex-addicts. If you absolutely cannot live without opiates this would probably be the one to take I guess.

Trying to get it from a pdoc for depression would be absolutely hopeless and a waste of time.

It still gets people high in larger doses but they have to use it differently than they would other opiates. But it's mostly valuable to junkies because it stops withdrawals.

I've listed my main thoughts on opiates as mood enhancers in another thread, basically if taken in therapeutic doses it doesn't make me feel euphoric, but makes it easier and more rewarding to think more positively in order to get out of a depressive rut. Maybe some people might say this is all what prozac or some other antidepressant did for them but I never had any luck with those. The other obvious way they help with my depression is by helping my chronic pain, it's difficult to be happy to be alive when you are in crippling physical pain. Aside from physical pain I wouldn't really say I'm depressed anymore, although I do think I have higher standards for happiness than most people.
 
#4 ·
Also since opiates reduce libido in the long run and make it impossible to bust a nut I won't take them without cycling them so I can still enjoy sex. Other antidepressants ruined my libido too but for me opiates are easily cycled and perhaps because of daily memantine 20mg + curcumin 1000 mg I haven't noticed any tolerance or withdrawals (obviously I have to find other means to fight the pain but it's worth it for sex).
 
#5 ·
Only certain doctors can prescribe Suboxone in the US, and each of those doctors can only have like 80-100 patients allowed to be on it at one time. Stupid laws the DEA sets out. Another note is that Suboxone is extremely expensive.
 
#6 ·
Ahh yes your just like me then. i have intractable chronic headaches and depression and i am prescribed suboxone 2mg 2x daily.


I talked to a psychiatrist that can script it and he is OK with me being on it for pain and depression. Although i have had opiate addiction in my past and that is the primary reason he is allowed to script it. He knows why i really need it though and he is cool with it.


I would talk to a doc and say you have opiate addiction in your ppast, but you could also mention the other reasons as well if you want though i dont see how it would be in ur interest to do so.

I get pain killing effects from it and a small mood bost everyday.

Unfortunately it can make headaches worse in some people, it was neutral for me though.
 
#8 ·
suboxone use

Hello all....
my first post here....
Thought I might have a little insight....

i have been on suboxone for 1 1/2 years....for opiate addiction.

There is a wonderful website called addictionsurvivors.org
It is not only for an addict....also for those who have lived with pain management being opiates.....they are so understanding of mental addiction versus physical addiction.....there is a huge difference.

I can tell you this....for me....suffering for far too many years of depression and bipolar.....I self medicated with opiates....which then put me into the world of suboxone......it's been a trip in itself.

There is absolutely no Euphoric feeling from this med. None at all. What it does is stop any withdrawl symptoms one would feel from discontinuing a lengthy use of opiates....whether it is recreational or medicinal.

There are many peripherals around suboxone......for me, when dose is too low, I go into severe depression.....it is acting as an antidepressant for me.....scientific data to support this, but not at my fingertips....
Also, it is a wonder drug for those both physically and mentally addicted to opiates. You start a suboxone program.....and mind you.....not easy to get into.....this is taken quite seriously from the FDA.....a very controlled substance....and why , I don't know......because there is no euphoria....just relief from withdrawl.
For an addict in recovery, the dosage is higher than when it is used for pain management.
I can attest to the fact that "less is more"......which is a far stretch for one who abused opiates.
I once tried to begin a very slow taper off the med, only to sink into deep depression....I am also in treatment for bipolar disorder......and still cycling, not reaching a remission level.
Quickly, my sub doc and psych doc determined this was not a smart move at the moment, for it also holds some anti depressant qualities.

As far as pain management goes.....from my friends in this other forum that I am in touch with daily......about 2mgs is optimal for pain relief. Any more, they don't feel it. It is a very strange med. An agonist/antiagonist for opiates, however, in lower doses is a huge answer for some to pain management.

I know I spouted out alot here....and please....research further my answer.
But do visit the web site.
It has been so helpful to me.

Good luck to all
lindamine
 
#9 ·
Real long shot here, and I apologize ahead of time for digging up an old thread. I happen to be in the exact position as "lindamine" and wondered if she/he was still around and on Suboxone? Does it still work after all these years? Just so other people in the same boat know I too take it, and its been a miracle for my heavy depression and mood swings that have existed since a kid(I am now 36 BTW). And as for social anxiety(which has also existed since a kid) I can truly say it brought me more out of my shell so to speak like all opiates do, but without the euphoria and ups and downs that opiate pills/pods would cause. Its a stable, what I think, "normal" happiness everday that I get from my 2mg 2 x day. I will add its no cure all though as I also take 1mg xanax xr 2 x day and 50mg Sertraline once every morning. This is my first post on here so I hope I did it right. I will go to the introduction section if there is one and post my background. I assume too now that I have signed up I can ask "lindamine" a question through PM if she/he is still around that is?
 
#11 ·
Hey Nesretep! It's Lindamine! I got your pm but had to jump through hoops to get back on this forum. So happy to hear from you.

Yes, I am still on it. I am happy to report, I for the first time in a long time, consider myself in a mental remission. I am doing well.
I am on 8mg of suboxone a day and here goes my long list of others....effexor, latuda, nuvigil, xanax and remron for psych meds ,
metformin for newly diagnosed diabetes, atorvastatin for cholesterol and valproate for blood pressure. Have been on this mix for a
year now. Have lost 50lbs. and have never felt better. All my Dr.s are beyond pleased.

As for my history with suboxone....have tried many times to reduce. Was once as far as 4mgs a day, but not feeling well. Dr. put me
up to 8mgs. now and it's perfect. I had reduced from several years at 12 mgs. My suboxone Dr. feels that I may have something
called "refractory depression" which will more than likely keep me on it for a long time. It's been 8 yrs. now in total, I think...still foggy
on those beginning days..I have no problem staying on it. I have no desire to drink or drug and mentally I have never been this stable.
When I went onto suboxone I then had a complete breakdown, which led me to a Psychiatrist. Finally got treatment for lifelong depression,
panic and mood disorder. It's been one heck of a ride but it wasn't until about a year ago that I could say I am finally in remission.

I see my suboxone Dr. every three months and my Psychiatrist monthly. It's been alot of work to reach this point and by no means, easy.
Alot of therapy as well.

It was really nice to hear from you and to hear that you too have felt the relief that I experienced.
I'd love to chat more if you'd like. Feel free to ask away.

My panic is now down to anxiety level. I can live with this. I have tools that help me cope and I have grown so much as a person, that it is
not near as bad as I once suffered. I was completely housebound from panic at one point.

I hope you are feeling well,
Linda
 
#12 ·
Hi Linda!

I know we have spoken by pm a little bit but as I mentioned I wanted to put our discussion on this thread for all the people with mental illness searching through google or lurking on the forum that are either on suboxone or are considering trying it.

First off congrats again for being in a state of remission and for the weight loss! Two huge accomplishments right there, that is so great to hear. Im so happy for you. Glad you kept pushing along to reach this point. I think everyone on this forum would agree the will to keep going and continue trying different things is an extremely long and tuff road.

I know you said you dont mind me asking you some questions about how you got to the place you are now, and I have A LOT of questions so I will try to take it one step at a time and hopefully not go over board here and scare you away.....

So you said that you first got on suboxone and THEN had a breakdown leading you to a psychiatrist, who then told you that you had psychiatric issues. Thats very interesting. So before that point you didnt know that you had such issues? Or did you have some idea that something wasnt quite right already? Did you initially get on suboxone after first self medicating with opiates for how you where feeling? Or where you on opiates for an injury or some other reason which then led you to suboxone?

Just a quick synopsis of how I got here. I myself knew I was an overly nervous kid growing up and then right around 18 years old I started getting horrible flushing and panic episodes all the time everywhere I went. It quickly snowballed from there to now at 36 years old. Inbetween that time I was on the medication merry go round with marginal results while also experiencing heavy depression and wild mood swings. And because I still needed to function in society during all this time I picked up awful habits of abusing alcohol, weed and my favorite drug of choice opiates to dull the pain. Wanting to stop all the abuse last year I found the most amazing addiction specialist/psychiatrist in my area who put me on suboxone. And like a miracle within a couple of weeks I had zero cravings for weed, alcohol, and opiates while feeling as close to how I felt before all of this began. It was like it filled a void in my brain that none of the previous medications could fill and I have been completely stable the last 8 or so months since. Its miraculous. I get zero euphoria from the suboxone at my dose of 2mg 2 x day and havent smoked weed, drank alcohol or felt the need to get high on anything. My whole life has changed.

Kind of like you my doctor believes that I will most likely be on this for life which is fine by me as now I am functioning at a normal capacity, holding down a great job and slowly repairing the damage I did with family and friends during my dark times. However I do have to add I still take 50mg Zoloft and xanax xr everday which my doctor is fine with as they have there own actions in the brain that help.

Now I search for other people who are in the same boat. Particularly people like yourself that have gone over 5 years on it as I want to believe it will continue to work and not cause more issues down the road. So far I have spoke to a handful of people that have been on it over 10 years who report it still works as well as when they started on it for their depression/social anxiety/general anxiety too.

Oh boy, as I look at all that I have written now I apologize for the wall of text. I dont want this to be about me, I just thought it would be beneficial to give some background of how I got here. So I guess I better wrap this up before it becomes a novel and let you answer the first set of questions I asked before I ask you anymore. No rush in getting back to me, whenever you have the time. And I hope others will come out of the woodwork with their experiences, good or bad. Thanks again Linda for contacting me and I look forward to hearing more about how you got to where you are now.

-Steffen
 
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