Better With Oxy

[Samsapp]

I have been recently diagnosed with PSTD. Was alway classified as bipolar. The only, ONLY TIME have ever felt normal, happy and productive was while using oxy/hydro in conjunction with antidepressants. Please help any doctors out there ?

 

[Samsapp]

Am I crazy or am I the only one?

 

[Weemie]

opiates increase your dopamine levels. that makes you happier, and can improve your concentration and therefore productivity. when you get dependent on it you can only be productive while on it. don't need a doctor to tell you that. been there, it's a hell of a cycle.

 

[Chava]

Do you work with a psychiatrist or good GP? Can you continue those anti-depressants or possibly try something new?

For a while I felt really smooth and functional on tramadol (it's like a lightweight opiate). But it stopped having the sort of mild glow-y effect and boost to my functionality. I cut back and some of that is coming back through work in therapy and also exercise. Other thoughts too, but in response to your post, I am not a doctor. But that would be a good place for you to start (and/or psychiatrist...and ideally a therapist too).

 

[Samsapp]

Thank u for listening. I understand that I sound like a 'junkie' saying only opiates work. But.... Sadly it the only time iny life I was happy.

 

[Samsapp]

And yes working with a psych and therapist but afraid to say I better on opiates for fear they assume I just drug seeking

 

[Whisperer Wind]

I was on opiates and anti-deps when I finally came out of the dark cloud. Opiates for 12 years. I finally said enough was enough. I've been opiate free for almost a year. But now my PTSD is rearing it's ugly head again. I don't think it is attributable to the opiate cessation. More like I was just neglecting the CBT and other tools I learned. I do find cannabis helps a lot. Both my chronic (lol) pain and my PTSD. The problem is where I live I am at great legal risk when using it. That and the on again, off again supply issue makes cannabis not a good choice for me. I do understand wanting to feel good, relaxed, calm. and happy. I hope you find it my friend.

 

[Chava]

Okay, I get that. Were you originally on those meds for pain? If so you might be able to say to your psychiatrist that you noticed a better mood, but were well aware that this wasn't the appropriate med for mood. And ask what psych med might help you. Or, if the oxy was never prescribed, scratch that. But when I noticed mood improvement on tramadol I did some research. Based on what tramadol does, it seemed like an NNRI (or NRI?) might be a helpful med, so I outright asked about that class of meds since I hadn't tried them (unfortunately had some rare pain side effects but mood was okay...they work well for many other people...I think bupropion was what I took).

Or get honest with your psychiatrist and maybe suboxone is an option for you. Other people, particularly those drawn to self-medicating via alcohol or opiates, have had a success with Naltraxone (I think I tried it briefly when I was drinking too much to make any med work, but it's on a list of things I'd be willing to try if life feels completely unmanageable again). Look it up if you haven't tried it...and maybe there is a way you could ask about trying something like this.

 

[joeylittle]

you might be able to say to your psychiatrist that you noticed a better mood, but were well aware that this wasn't the appropriate med for mood.

Honestly, you can say this even if you were taking it unprescribed. As long as you address the main point - which is 'I'm not med-seeking, I want to feel better - this made me feel better, but it's not a real long-term option, I know. What else can we try?" - you can get into a conversation about it. I'd encourage you to go ahead and open this up with your care team.