[Rasto]

Hello, all -

First time poster. I've been reading through many of the comments here, and I'm just getting more and more confused.

Basically, I'm addicted to oxy. Not an uncommon problem around here. It's only been about eight months, and I've gone from small doses recreationally (10mg on Friday/Saturday nights) to larger daily doses that indicate to me a great likelihood of addiction (as much as 160mg/day, but usually more like 40-60).

I want to quit, and I've tried to quit. I've managed to taper down to about 5mg/day, and it sounds odd, but it's that last 5mg I can't let go of.

And it isn't because of a physical problem - I got through the physical aspect of addiction very easily. Now it's a mental thing, which I'm assuming is due to downregulation of dopamine at various sites throughout my brain thing. I get *very* depressed in the evenings. No shakes, no sweats, no cramps, no pain - nothing. Just depression.

So, here's what I'm trying to figure out:

- Even though I've physically detoxed (for the most part), is it a good idea to try buprenorphine just so that there's less of a shock to my system? I've been reading a bit online about various programs which administer buprenorphine over a period of many weeks, allowing patients to slowly taper off, and probably helping to get the brain back in shape for total cessation of any opioids. It seems like I might be able to avoid the dopamine related depression that way.

- If buprenorphine *isn't* a good idea, then what about a dopamine reuptake inhibitor like Welbutrin? Have any of you experimented with using Welbutrin as an anti-depressant following opioid withdrawal and stabilization? The one thing that concerns me is that there might be some hyperexcitation in the parts of my brain which *aren't* rich in mu opioid receptors, and so taking welbutrin might just be a good way to get a seizure.

Any thoughts?

I'm going crazy here. I can't get any doctors on the phone who can answer these questions. I really want to let this last little bit go, but if I don't take that 5mg, the depression is incredible (from just dropping *5* - it's nuts).

Finally, in the event that neither med is really any good, how long does it take for you to get back to "normal"? That is, when does the depression pass? If you answer this question, could you please provide the drug, the dose, the method of delivery, and the duration of addiction so that I have some idea of how my situation relates to yours?

I'd appreciate any feedback at all.

Thank you.


- Rasto
- slightly rather addicted to anything opioidish

[cluelessNJ]

Rasto~ Welcome to the forum. You did awesome getting down to 5mgs a day. Are you cutting a 20/40/80? I don't think you need to use the Bup/suboxone. Personally I went cold turkey off oxys after abusing them for YEARS. My strong cravings only lasted a few weeks. Then it occasionally I would have them. The 23rd of this month will be 8 months clean for me and I RARELY have a craving for them. I think its been over a month ot two since I have had a craving. You have to find decent, healthy wasy to distract yourself. I used movies and walking in the beginning. You have to remember that the cravings will pass.

Stay strong and continue to go lower if you thing it will make it easier. Maybe to perks. Remember it takes what it takes. If you would feel better using the Suboxone as a crutch for a week or two maybe you should look into it. Just do research on it. Check out this site and read the subonone forum.
http://www.heroin-detox.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=4

Good luck!


Not so clueless,

CLEAN DATE 1/23/06

[Aprilskyzz]

Hello Rasto, I have to agree, i don't think that the suboxone program is what you need. I think maybe a medication for depression is more likely what you need. Another suggestion might be that you go to NA meetings. When i first started to go, i did not think that it was for me, but the more i went the more it helped. I always come out learning something.

I must say, you did a great job on weaning yourself down and if you can do that, you can get rid of them all together. I myself tried that route, but it did not work. I always ended up going back up and was taking way too much. It is obvious that you have self control and that is very important. I did not have that control so that is why i went on the Suboxone. I have been on it for approximately 2 1/2 weeks now and i have not touch any pills in that time. I do, at times, still crave them, but that passes.

I hope this helps you somewhat. One question though, have you ever considered seeing a psychiatrist for your depression? I am going to see one next week to see if a need med changes. I take Lexapro now and have been on it for 3 years but it does not seem to help as much anymore. Just a suggestion.

Good luck and hope to hear from you again.

April

[mpvt]

Alot of addicts go through this when we quit and Welbutrin seems to be the anti-depressent that works best.You shouldn't need it for more than a couple months.Once your endorphin production gets back up there you should be able to stop the welbutrin.Good luck and way to go on quitting......Dave