![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by skills on May 26, 2002, at 12:02:12
If, as many now think, opioids can be in some cases useful antidepressents then surely so could cannabis. The effects of the active ingredient of cannabis, delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol and diamorphine on in vivo dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens were compared in Sprague-Dawley rats by brain microdialysis by the Center for Neuropharmacology, University of Caliari 1997. Delta 9 THC and diamorphine increased extracellular dopamine concerntrations selectively in the shell of the nucleus accumbens: these effects were mimiked by synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55212-2. SR14716A, an antagonist of central cannabinoid receptors, prevented the effects of delta 9 THC but not those of diamorphine. Naxolone, a generic opioid antagonist administered systemically, or naloxonazine, an antagonist of mu1 opioid receptors infused into the ventral tegmentum, prevented the action of cannabinoids and diamorphine on dopamine transmission. Therefore delta 9 THC and diamorphine exert similar effects on mesolimbic dopamine transmission through a common mu1 opioid receptor mechanism located in the ventral mesencephalic tegmentum. This mechanism is thought to be responsible for the feeling of well being associated with opiate action in humans. Therefore cannabis could in theory have a similar AD effect. I know humans aren't rats. Peace.
Posted by crepuscular on May 26, 2002, at 13:17:08
In reply to CANNABINOIDS+OPIATES AS AN ANTIDEPRESSANTS, posted by skills on May 26, 2002, at 12:02:12
hey, it has worked for me ;)
i recall one terrible mixed state i had, before i had been Dx'd. i managed to score some percosets and spent two days in the vacant lot next to my house smoking pot & munching pain medication, hanging out with junk cars and the bushes. i was not exactly sane or functional, but i was relieved of suicidal thoughts and actually able to back away from the freaky precipice i'd screwed myself into.
sometimes our pain is just too much to bear. it's important not to stay in crisis mode too long because you'll end up dead. so i completely support people doing whatever they have to do in those situations.
I'm not convinced, however, that say, hashish + oxy would be a good long term solution. but i guess it all depends on if this combo increases your capacity to participate with other people, to work and love. from my experience the most common case with such substances is a kind of autistic hedonism.
Posted by paxvox on May 27, 2002, at 20:24:08
In reply to Re: CANNABINOIDS+OPIATES AS AN ANTIDEPRESSANTS, posted by crepuscular on May 26, 2002, at 13:17:08
I think herb smoking is very individualized as a mood changing drug. My experience 20 years or so ago, was that it CLEARLY casued a sense of "well being" as well as general apathy. However, I quit using it because of its tendency to make me paranoid. So, I guess your mileage may vary. Now as far as opioid/opiate use as antidepressants, I think the science supports the theory...again, very individualized results. I have always found them to make my mood lift. However, I don't think there are too many docs out there willing to dole out Oxycontin as an AD med, because of its very HIGH rate of abuse, dependence and re-direction to the illicit drug market. So, don't get your hopes up if it works for you. Maybe one day.....but don't hold your breath.
PAX
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.