I recently read an article in which a woman was taking small amounts of opiates !

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

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.?

3 weeks ago
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.

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...
http://opioids.com/antidepressant/opiate...
http://opioids.com/antidepressant/depres...

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.