Does a mood stablizer prevent euphoria from opiates?

[HootieMc138]

Hi.  My question is about using a mood stabilizer (Lamictal) with my Opana and hydromorphone, fentanyl and before, oxycontin.  I do not get any euphoria from opiate or opiod medications or get much mental effects..and I'm wondering if my mood stabilizer is the reason for this...like it maintains me at an a level mood and this prevents my mood from being elevated similar to how it prevents me from having manic symptoms.  Just a fyi, I'm not looking for the euphoria and hyperness etc.... I like that I stay level.  I'm just so curious if this is why.  Thank you for your answer.

[femmy29]

I would like to add that the Opana produces euphoria but it is short lived.  I also take Opana and for the first few hours or so I feel really good but not high.  More of a sense of well being as Tuckamore stated.  

The are other medications that cause slightly more euphoria...one is oxycontin in addition to many immediate medications.

I haven't heard of a mood stabilizer preventing euphoria from opioid medications.  I take an anti-depressant for anxiety and depression along with valium and I haven't noticed any mental changes and I have been on this dombo minus the Opana for over 6 years.

femmy

[HootieMc138]

No, it definitely does not enhance it, the Lamictal.  And I am very careful with my ...I have been in pain management for a long time, over 6 yrs, and before that I was treated for the chronic pain with vicodin which did have some euphoria and was glad to switch off it...as I do not enjoy the feelings of being numb and having it interfere with enjoyment of time with my son, husband, and family.
I have just always wondered this question above and still wonder if its true but Thank you both for your answers, I really appreciate it.

[Tuckamore]

Met to add that the mood stabilizer should not effect the action of the opiates. Indeed it may enhance it.

~Tuck

[Tuckamore]

Hi Hooties,

Welcome!!

When you have true pain and are presribed the correct dose of opiates you should not experience euphoria. Admittedly there may be some initial feelings of well-being until your body adjusts to the medication(s).

In ppl with Chronic Pain or even acute pain, the opiates get busy doing the job they were intended to do... working on the pain. Ppl with Chronic Pain do not experience eurphoria. It's when the opiate is not needed that opiates produce a "high" or a eurphoria. Again... sometimes there is an initial feeling of well being but it's short lived.

It's my guess your body has adjusted to the medications and there will be no more eurphoria. Careful.... don't seek that feeling. That's when addiction can step in and you can head down a terrible path.

My best to you! I hope you'll be active in our community.

Take Care,
~Tuck