Methadone / Depression Issues?

Updated

I have been taking methadone tablets,15mg-3 times a day, for back pain. I also have some depression issues as well, The methadone seems to make me in a good mood as well as taking my back pain away. I do have many mood swings lately where I go from very good feeling to very bad very quickly sometimes, This usually happens when the methadone starts wearing off. I think I may need to see a psyhciatrist about this. I do the methadone for pain, but maybe I need something else for my depression, I also have suicidal thoughts sometimes too, I have heard of mood stabilizers, Do these work? If anyone could suggest a medication , It would be appreciated. Also when the methadone is wearing off, I will feel very tired and weak, Without the metadone, I really cannot function that well due to the combination of back pain and mental issues. Thank you for your time and help.--Mike

38 Replies (2 Pages)

Page:1Last Page
Earliest Newest Votes
1

Methadone, like any opiate, will relieve depression and make you feel great......until homeostasis kicks in. Then methadone will make you fat, depressed, hypogonadal etc.

Opiates inhibit the production of adrenalin/noradrenalin in the brain and will slowly drain you of your life as time passed by (months, years). Methadone is the nuke among opiates because it works 24/7 on your body with a halflife of around 24 hours(only LAAM is worse).

Methadone has it uses such as MMT but the price paid is very high.

If you possibly can, I suggest you get off it. If you can't, you need extremely powerful antidepressants and possible an amphetamine to combat the fatigue.

Was this helpful? 7
2

I use 50mg methadone as a mood stabilizer
...I wish it was otc.
I have to buy it illegally

It works for me and nothing else does.

I wish politicians would respect poor souls like us.

Was this helpful? 2
3

I agree,i had been on methadone for about 7yrs (40mg a day) & found it the best medication for depression so far. I've tried many,many anti-depressant meds, without success. Now that i've stopped taking methadone, i feel the depression has come back worse. Governments worldwide really need to investigate methadone (opiates) for depression - just drug abuse

Was this helpful? 2
4

Ive been in methadone treatment for four years now. I got up to 165mlgs a day. For the past year ive been detoxing, now im at 46mlgs. But I feel drained, have mood swings, and im depressed. But an hr after I take it I feel great. Is there anything I can do to not feel like this anymore. Please help! Thank you

Was this helpful? 0
5

hi-anyone
Im on methadone for 8 months.am a 57 y/o man fighting bipolar type 2 for nearly 30 years tried all antideperssants in these years.also mood stblizers. now Im confused if methadone is realy depressant or anti-depressant????
If someone helps me through his or her experience with methadone I will be so appreciated.

Was this helpful? 8
6

I take 60 mg's of methadone per day for back pain and fibromyalgia. None of the treatments for fibromyalgia work for me. I can't function without the methadone. My problem is I sleep all the time. Is this from the methadone and is there something I can take so I don't sleep all the time?

Was this helpful? 0
7

If it is good for you why you came off of it??
may be this is because of its price? or not so why?
you know swing of mood destroies lifes.
It is important in this site that evry one says about her or his experience of taking methadone without beeing deperessant?It calms me but what can I do with depression ??? please tell we can help each other through exchaging our experience.

Was this helpful? 1
8

Hi wednesday-Im miinochehr in this site if you have time please tell me: do really sedation hurts you with 50 mg .Please tell me more about your exp. with methadone.Im a 57 y/o man fighting with bipolar nearly my all past life.It destroyed mypast life now 1 year on methadone .I can say that am satisfied BUT:DEPRESSION. Now am calm with no mood swing.and this is a surprise for me and my lovers. BUT I think something else must complete methadone.something for solving depression.for 3 months I toke serteralin (my doc. said) but when mania was starting to appear I weaned it off.I have some experience with ginkgo biloba and can share it with you.
please answer me thank you

Was this helpful? 0
9

ive been on methadone for like 2-3 years it hurts to think about it, that isnt why im depressed, its the methadone itsef i believe mabye other factors that has me so depressed im nearly losing my job..wouldnt be suprised if i got phone call or text tomorrow.
i had alot of trust in the gonverment and its testing, i now have intensive fear, exitey, real bad depression last 3 weeks not sure if it was mental breakdowns i was having or depression last few days ive been searching peoples stories..some that made it some that never finished the fourm in ansewering questions..now i know alot of stuff on the internet is fake, though for some reasion i know what is real by there words and whats and there actions, when there last post is and it scares me to think about it, im wondering if im boarder line...last 3 days been on my mind, i am nearly sure its the methadone..but i come to realize i think may be more to it then meth though i knwo it takes a BIG role in depression i hate myself for how weak i feel right now i jsut want to freakout my emotions are behond my control but not my actions yet

Was this helpful? 1
10

I have been using methadone about 2 years, prior had used antidepressants, sedatives, Wellbutrin etc. 10 total scripts in all, all from a physiatrist scripts . I only went on these meds caused wife at the time insisted and literally did all the talking as she was ultimately setting me up to attempt to make me appear "crazy" As she had plans to divorce me and attempt to take everything , business etc. she was having an affair and it all culminated on my birthday of that year with her lying to go out with friends to end up in a hotel room with previous flame having sex and then coming home to tell me she wanted divorce. When attempting to wean off of thes drugs I found myself falling apart and turned to natcotics , namely Heroin. This led to the methadone. Tried cold turkey ( times to endy addiction to "H" but every time ended it up hospitalized, dehydrated and not capable to do so, so decided to use Methadone as a "stepping stone " to get away, break free " now I'm locked into the methadone with no way out. Withdrawals
And symptoms from trying to get off of it even worse than "H"....... So it cost me &300.00 monthly for M and it has brought me to a point where I can sleep all day/ night, since it acts as antidepressant and anxiety meds there isn't the sense of urgency normally to "stop using" Also it's legal so that's not an issue, it's affected my sex drive. ( although hard to tell cause 1st. Year was single and now with a wonderful woman who's religious convictions prevent her from being with me until married but I know deep within the drive isn't there as it was, & Beleive me, come time (marriage ) she will have every need and desire to have me day/night and in between in every sexual way, I fear to let her down and not be able to satisfy her as I should, also if I am depressed as I am now with not much care or worry about all things , what kind of relationship will it be ? I am looking for a way out, recently truly debated suicide, but I'm a coward in the sense that I couldn't do that to those love, namely her and my 11 year old daughter , parents etc. I am trapped and soon I fear I will "opt out" as it (life as a whole) gets progressively worse and my hopes and dreams fade until they are a poison that clouds my thoughts and haunts my dreams..... If anyone can make a suggestion(s ) I'm all ears , but please save the religious hope speech. ( I am a believer ) but its "not working now " also, unless its some way to eliminate the M, redirect my life from Ruins and help to
Provide a path that is so obscure you can be sure I haven't considered.... .lets not waste each others time... Thank you.

Was this helpful? 4
11

I am exactly the same way. I gave over two years to my Dr. To try and balance me out. With the imminent threat of loosing my job I had no choice but to go back on the methadone. I am fine now. Not high, or messed up, but what most would probally call normal. Now I am in search of any evidence that methadone can be used as a mood stabilizer. So it can be perscribed and not gotten illegally. Any help or guidence greatly appreciated.

Was this helpful? 2
12

Wow, after reading down thru everyones messages I felt like I needed to say more. I've battled depression all my life. And I have either drank or done drugs or actually worked with dr.'s to try and get it right. I went to a methadone clinic to get off everything. Then gave a little over 2 years to trying antidepressants. With no luck. Went back on methadone and best way I can describe it is, I function like I ve always felt a person should function. Some anxiety from time to time, and I can still get sad. But all controllable now. Not in excess. All I can say to everyone out there is find what works for you, we are all chemically different. And go with it. You know yourself better than any dr. or government could ever hope to. May they someday actually listen to us.

Was this helpful? 6
13

Something I have never understood is some one who suffers from severe depression being denied the legal right to medication that WORKS. Severe depression is a very dangerous condition to be cursed with because of the ever present risk of suicide. For some reason that doesn't matter. So what if i'm opiate free? What, my system is clean of the medication that COULD have kept me alive? I have tried over 15 anti depressants and none worked. I learned the hard way when it comes to getting help for depression and the routine meds don't work you are on your own. Doctors don't care. You do what you have to do because if you leave it up to "them" all they will do is help you into eternity even quicker. If it comes to that I just hope and pray I have enough strength and presence of mind left to at least make it look like an accident. My heart goes out to all who suffer from depression and would advise any one- if it works GO FOR IT.

Was this helpful? 6
14

K-Matthew. I know u posted back in January but I just read your regarding the methadone and depression issues. Have you been able to find help? Or a solution to your problem? Your situation sounds very similiar . Please email me if u get this

Was this helpful? 0
15

Hi, I'm in MMT on 70mg for three years. I and many others abuse opiates because it gets us high and gives us an escape from depression for a little while.. In the beginning. I haven't got high off my methadone ever, I did however feel high when I began abusing opiates.

My question for everyone is,does your antidepressants work for you while in Methadone Maintenance? I've been taking SSRI's for 16 years and they worked good before I began taking methadone daily-Now I get no effects of them. Is it the Methadone?? Or is it the huge amount of damage to my brain receptors,ect?

Was this helpful? 0
16

Methadone is the worst thing that has ever happened to my family. It makes you unstable and have crazy mood swings. This medication is bad news and should NEVER be used just for depression. Please do your research before you start as you will most likely be on it for life.

Was this helpful? 2
17

What does paws stand for ? I just got off of msContin five days ago and started methadone three days ago. Well I felt good when I first started the methadone but suddenly now, I've been feeling depressed and so tired I can't sleep ? I've had depression for at least 17 years and I take two different antidepressants and klonapin as well !!! Does anyone know what might be causing this sudden depression ? Anything , at this point, would be so helpful.

Was this helpful? 0
18

I was on methadone for five or six years. Illegally at first then later through a clinic. I can tell u what got me off of it (with ZERO withdrawals) but I'm quite sure it won't be something that you think is a great idea. I started taking speed (methamphetamine) to aleviate my constant exhaustion and depression and quickly realized I had no desire for the methadone when amped on speed. The speed proved easier to get off of. However I am and always have been an addict so I still use speed to self medicate. So for me it came down to chosing between two evils, which gets me lectured quite often, but I just could NOT stand the methadone addiction anymore.

Was this helpful? 0
19

Try looking up methadone clinics around your area they are legal! I go to a methadone clinic and get dosed at 130mg a day as well as I have Medicaid and Medicaid pays for it. If you don't have Medicaid it's only $14 a day!

Was this helpful? 0
20

I sympathize for you not being able to legally obtain your methadone. My husband and I have been MMT patients since 8/2012 and as California residents who receive medical our methadone is provided to us daily at no cost. It has worked wonders for the opiate addiction but what I'm dealing with now is severe depression, anger/uncontrollable rage, hopelessness and intense self-loathing. I've never had a history of depression and I have no idea how to begin to cope with this issue. Does anyone who is a long-term Methadone patient have a similar experience? Do I get on anti-depressants or..?? I'm ashamed of these uncontrollable emotions I'm suddenly flooded with and my children are suffering as a result of my mental unrest. I need help and I don't even know where to begin...

Was this helpful? 4
Page:1Last Page

Most Recent Replies:

38

I was first started out on Percodan in 1985 after my first of many knee & hip/leg surgeries. After decades of some form of oxycodone, with no abuse on my part, I only have two options for my choice now. Suboxone or methadone...both of which make me feel horrible in many ways. I often think of suicide. I'm so angry, I know if I do commit suicide, I won't be going alone.

Was this helpful? 0
37

Re: Elizabeth (# 20) Expand Referenced Message

I am really suffering with my emotions since being on Methadone. I've never used drugs or alcohol. I take it for chronic pain. I'm at the point to where I can't handle all the emotional distress. I'm very depressed, have no energy or appetite, don't want to leave my home and I have very low energy. I hope that someone will have answers for both of us.

Was this helpful? 0
36

Re: Scott (# 11) Expand Referenced Message

there is a book called curing chronic pain and the doctor rober t cochrane talks hilghly of methadone in helping mood instability check it out on web

Was this helpful? 0
35

My boyfriend has been in the methadone clinic for about three months and his mood has changed for the worst. He has talked more about suicide and his depression has increased. I fear that he will commit suicide if he continues being on it and watch him get more irritable. His weight has dropped and he has trouble sleeping and he is drowsy more than usual. He's just not himself, how so is that his behavior is different like he is a totally different person than the man I met 6 years ago and I am afraid.

Was this helpful? 0
34

If the methadone helps you go back on it man I was in your same boat do whatever makes your quality of life better.

Was this helpful? 0
33

Hi it's Deborah again I'm on 80 of methadone I can go up to a 100 or down I've been on it for 30 years I'm still wanting to get off it but don't know have much it is helping the pain , I hate done in sick all the time years ago it used to make me talk a lot get a bit high kind off it's change a lot over the years now it does nothing I get really tired if I take it to late it's ruined my health I had a drinking problem I've stop drinking I thought that would kill me but now I think methadone will they say it doesn't have any real bad side effects but has any one done any research on how methadone effects the body and mind over 30 years or more I don't think so why because they don't care !

Was this helpful? 0
32

I feel ya, I know depression and anxiety and was on methadone in the past and it helped everything, it helped my depression better than any anti depression, anxiety, made my life in general happy, that was years ago, now I'm a mess, suicidal, hate life, tried every anti depression, nothing works, I want to go back on methadone, but I really don't want to go to a clinic, I don't know what to do, any suggestions, thanks.

Was this helpful? 0
31

Hey Mike I know ur post was written in '09' but I was wonder if you got the help you were looking for?

Was this helpful? 0
30

i would like to talk to you, very important the methadone works like antidepressant for me where no antidepressants work

Was this helpful? 0
29

Agree totally with bad medicine I have been on it for 30 years I was only going to be on it 6 months but couldn't get off it it's destroyed me and my family too .I was a talented person winning many awards 6 months after Done I was doing nothing it's ruined my health

Was this helpful? 0
Sort Thread by Most Recent

More Discussions:

Methadone and depression with panic attacks

I've had muscle and nerve pain with intestinal spasms since my last (3rd) peritonitis in 93. This last one caused by...

9 REPLIES
Methadone causing depression?

l am a 56 years old female and been on Methadone for many years apart from gaining weight which seems to be the norm. Ha...

4 REPLIES
Methadone with anxiety and depression medication

My doctor won't put me on anything like benzos because im on methadone. I'm now on sertraline 50mg and that'...

4 REPLIES
Depression and Viibryd

Anyone had any experience with Viibryd yet? My doc just gave it to me today. Just wondering... ## I just started Viibryd...

79 REPLIES
Depression and Cilift

I am Bipolar and take 900mg Epilum in the morning as well as 900mg in the evening. I suffer from severe major depression...

5 REPLIES
Depression and nightmares

taking cymbalta and having terrible nightmares.is this a side effect? ## I have had depression for as long as I can reme...

4 REPLIES
Depression, Anxiety, Agitation - It's Unbearable

For over 50 years I struggled with this condition. I stuck it out with hard work and faking it. Now that I'm nearly ...

3 REPLIES
Depression & celebrex

I have been on Celebrex for just over 6 months now. My Rheumatologist has had a heck of a time figuring out what exactly...

3 REPLIES
depression & anxiety resistant to anti depressants

I had depression n anxiety 10yrs ago. Was given Seroxat n had very good results. Been off meds since then. Now depressio...

3 REPLIES
depression and anxieties

I am struggling real bad with panic attacks...lots of doctors don't understand some people need benzos to live a pro...

2 REPLIES