7 days off percs still depressed

[sl7574]

I just moved out of new york  to washington state. Ive been taking percocet for about a year up until a week ago.There were days I didnt take any but I can say I have been on them for a while. Well anyway Im 7 days clean it wasnt a bad detox but now i find myself very bored, homesick and very depressed. Am I still going through withdrawls? I find myself thinking about alot of fearful things and hopelesness. Im proud of myself for kicking the habit but why cant I snap out of it? Will I ever?

[bubbup]

I totally agree with the exercise, 100%.  I went through a couple of major depressive/panic attack episodes and I just told myself that it will pass, and it will/does, and I exercise if I can.  Also, I run and/or walk and it truly makes a huge difference.  Just getting fresh oxygen in your system is going to help so much. I live in WA also and soon you'll find that there is so much to do here.  It will get better,hang in there!

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

Depression is the worst part of withdrawal in many ways.  I agree with magi's comments above, particularly with the exercise--  I'm not a believer in the amino acid idea, but to each his own.  There are ways for a psychiatrist to give you a 'kick in the pants' to boost your through the depression of withdrawal;  I know docs who will do so, and docs who won't.  It comes down to a balance of risk;  is is safer to let a person sit around depressed until the person relapses, or do we give a short course of something that will get a person working again.  Apparently just mentioning certain medications here incites a storm of excitement, so I will leave you to contact your doctor about this issue.  

Exercise is effective as well, if you have the energy to undertake it--- start slow, a couple short walks around the block, and move on to power walking over time.  The depression from withdrawal is generally thought to last for up to two months; beyond that we consider depression to be separate from med effects, at least according to the criteria of the DSM.  In 'withdrawal time', two months feels like about five years...  seek out a laugh or two if you can, find other recovering addicts and talk about the things you are grateful for.  Gratitude is another great antidote for depression.

[flmagi]

Congrats on 7 days. Things will get better, it takes a while, so hang in there. It's normal to feel some depression, agitation and mood swings for sometimes up to 3 months after quiting the drugs. Try getting some exercise, that will help speed recovery up. Go to the health Pages on the Addiction Abuse Forum and read about the Amino Acid Protocol, a lot of people swear by it. Good luck, be patient and stay strong.
I'm sure the doctor will give you more advise soon.