opiates used for treatment resistant depression

[minky]

I am wondering about your view of using opiates for treatment resistant depression. I have been on almost all antidepressants and anti anxiety meds.  A world renowned MD has suggested it as a last line of RX for me, but neither my PCP or psychiatrist thinks it's sn option. Believe me, I know it is contraversial. I have also had ECT and 16 years of therapy. Please can you give me your opinion.

[DDH]

Don't do it! I've been self medicating depression most of my life with one chemical or another... including anti-depressants. So I understand the "black hole" you are trying to escape/avoid.  I started self-medicating with opiates 7 years ago (after years of unsuccessful attempts with anti-depressants, counseling twice a week, and even residential programs). I started out with very small doses and it was a miracle - or so I thought.  As time went on I had to increase the dose in order to ward off the depression. This is normal and even expected with opiates because the body adapts and you must take more to achieve the same level of relief (whether you are treating physical pain, depression, or whatever).  I am now on such a high dose that taking more is not really an option ... I won't be able to stay awake and function.  With such a high dose and daily use for over 7 years I've been warned by both doctors and chemical dependency professionals that attempting to stop the opiates now ... without proper medical assistance in an inpatient facility ... could result in death.
I'm tired all the time, the depression is breaking through (again) and I've got the added MAJOR problem of being severely addicted narcotics. It is a nightmare. I'm looking at a 30 day inpatient medically assisted detox that I'm told almost always results in some form of depression (even for those with no history of depression).  I'm going to be very sick (during the inpatient detox) and will have narcotics withdrawal depression compounding the preexisting depression ... I've made things much worse than they were.
Don't do it! It is a one-way ticket to a much deeper and darker black hole!

DDH

[Lisa07]

In what state are you people in?  I am searching for a psychiatrist who will prescribe percocet.  Thanks!

[mibunny]

I also have not heard of opiates for depression treatment.  As a non-medical professional in field of mental health and substance abuse, I can unequivocally say that opiates can make just about everyone "feel better".  Of course, along with the physical dependency and very difficult withdrawal process there's a lot of reason to doubt any qualified medical professional would prescribe opiates.  Be very careful!

[starz]

I find that vicodin helps my depression better then anything.
I can move the world on just 200 mg.
I origionally took it before and after my hip replacement.  I have some right now from my dentist (root canal) and It makes me wonder too.  I feel great, had the energy to clean out a closet and do laundry and iron and I am still going!  I am not sure if vicodin has opiates or not, no physical or mental pain.  what a break.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I don't have an informed opinion to give you. I have never heard of this kind of treatment. The place I would go for an opinion would be to a well known psychopharmacologist. The way to find one is to go to a university medical center department of psychiatry.  Sorry.