I recently read an article in which a woman was taking small amounts of opiates to treat depression. It was in

Question

a major magazine. Her depression was very treatment resistant and she found a respected psychiatrist to prescribe it. I hear their all studies being done in this area...? Comments.?

opester, I have printed the sites you sent. You may also be interested in the question I posted about Ultram trials for depression. I note you don't want email, but I would be most interested in your unofficial comments. I can tell you the name of the article and magazine if interested. Just email me. Many thanks.

Answer 1

There does appear to be some basis for this in the research, although I admit I am unfamiliar with it myself. Your question sparked me to begin some research on it and I found several links to studies where it appeared to have quite successful outcomes (I was impressed by the dramatically decreased scores on the measures used which were more dramatic than is often seen with typical anti-depressants). If you are considering this as an option, you may wish to print out some of the articles listed below to take to your doc as this is certainly not standard practice, but merits exploration if all other standard treatments have been attempted and failed.

http://opioids.com/antidepressant/opiate.html
http://opioids.com/antidepressant/opiates.html
http://opioids.com/antidepressant/depression-subtypes.html

The last article was especially interesting in that it suggests a link between cortisol and depression and makes me wonder about the subgroup of non-responders and whether or not they had a trauma history as excessive cortisol is associated with trauma and long-term can produce some very damaging effects. Hopefully it may stimulate further investigation by your doc who may be better able than I to explore the neurobiology.

Added: I would be very interested in the Ultram trials and i will check out your other question. This really sparked my curiosity and I am greatful for having seen the question and begun to research it. Please keep us posted as to how you make out with your doc and what your experience is like if you pursue this course of treatment! I don't post my email here for multiple reasons, but I would be interested in the info on Ultram trials and wondered if perhaps you could post the info in your question details? I will also let you know if I find further info for you in the Psychopharmacology Update which I subscribe to.

Answer 2

This woman's doctor must have been very old fashioned or else a worshiper of ancient medicines. Laudanum was the medicine of choice for about every conceivable illness in the 16th century. It is an opium derivative. It is addictive. It could conceivably help depression by stupefying the patient. You didn't say whether the woman was cured. Did this psychiatrist also prescribe mustard plasters?

Answer 3

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 4

In the Middle Ages, depression was considered to be a sin. Now there's a combination for you, depression and condemnation by your religion.

I'd look for opiates in that situation. But the other fellow wa right, modern anti-depressants are much more specific, and we can chart the side effects. If they work, you are able to continue working. Plus, you don't need increasing dosages for them to continue working.