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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dima on April 1, 2010, at 12:31:16
Hi, I have a question regarding Buprenorphine. I've researched it a bit, and I am almost positive that it will help with my depression and/or anxiety. I've also found that even if it doesn't work, the drug doesn't pose much risk.
I am currently awaiting a repeat test result to confirm that I have low testosterone, after which my primary doctor will prescribe TRT, though not for another three weeks.
I would like to call and ask both my current doctor and previous psychiatrist to consider prescribing Buprenorphine as soon as possible. I never mentioned pain being an issue to either, so the reason would be depression and anxiety.
Pseudoname, you said that you showed your doctor some literature, and received the drug. How should I go about persuading them to prescribe this? I plan to call both today and simply ask, but if they say no, what type of evidence or literature should I show them to convince them?
I plan to provide proof that he is in fact allowed to prescribe it, since it seems some doctors believe they are not allowed. I will bring the study of ten people with depression. I will find some reputable sites that show that bupe is fairly safe with a low potential for abuse. I'll let him know that I am on Klonopin, and have never allowed myself to form an addiction to it or any other drug.
Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks!
Posted by Dima on April 1, 2010, at 13:01:30
In reply to Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname?, posted by Dima on April 1, 2010, at 12:31:16
Pseudoname, I found your name after reading this post: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060304/msgs/615934.html
The symptoms you describe seem fairly similar to my own, so I'd like to share what I've learned in my quest to be happier.
I have gluten sensitivity, which is an extremely underdiagnosed disorder, since it has no specific set of symptoms. Gluten is in wheat and some other grains. When eaten, basically anything in the body can act up, or you may appear completely symptom free, or symptoms may slowly appear seemingly without cause as you grow older. If you are gluten sensitive, though, gluten is causing damage in varying degrees to your body. Many gluten sensitive individuals have only neurological symptoms, and never know the cause.
In some individuals, including a majority of autistics, gluten acts as a long-lasting opiate. So these people are basically sending their endorphin/exorphin levels up and down constantly throughout their whole life.
I am almost positive I fit into this category. I cut all gluten out of my diet about six weeks ago. I've had mild depression and anxiety for a very long time, but these past six weeks have been worse than ever. I had to leave college for this quarter since this gluten withdrawal was worse than I expected. Almost all of the time has been spent as hours and hours in front of the TV.
Many of my current symptoms match up with opiate withdrawal symptoms, which reinforces my position. I've experienced depression, anxiety, panic attacks, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, insomnia, and cravings for the drug itself (hunger all day no matter how much I eat).
Look into gluten sensitivity and gluten's role as an opiate, both proven through studies. Who knows, you might find that this is the answer that finally makes sense for you, or maybe not.
To health and happiness!
Posted by ed_uk2010 on April 1, 2010, at 13:11:26
In reply to Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname?, posted by Dima on April 1, 2010, at 12:31:16
> Hi, I have a question regarding Buprenorphine. I've researched it a bit, and I am almost positive that it will help with my depression and/or anxiety. I've also found that even if it doesn't work, the drug doesn't pose much risk.
>
> I am currently awaiting a repeat test result to confirm that I have low testosterone, after which my primary doctor will prescribe TRT, though not for another three weeks.
>
> I would like to call and ask both my current doctor and previous psychiatrist to consider prescribing Buprenorphine as soon as possible. I never mentioned pain being an issue to either, so the reason would be depression and anxiety.
>
> Pseudoname, you said that you showed your doctor some literature, and received the drug. How should I go about persuading them to prescribe this? I plan to call both today and simply ask, but if they say no, what type of evidence or literature should I show them to convince them?
>
> I plan to provide proof that he is in fact allowed to prescribe it, since it seems some doctors believe they are not allowed. I will bring the study of ten people with depression. I will find some reputable sites that show that bupe is fairly safe with a low potential for abuse. I'll let him know that I am on Klonopin, and have never allowed myself to form an addiction to it or any other drug.
>
> Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks!Sadly, pseudoname is no longer with us, and so he will not be able to answer your questions.
Posted by Dima on April 1, 2010, at 13:15:37
In reply to Re: Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname?, posted by ed_uk2010 on April 1, 2010, at 13:11:26
> Sadly, pseudoname is no longer with us, and so he will not be able to answer your questions.
Well, I welcome advice from anyone! :)
Posted by emmanuel98 on April 1, 2010, at 20:47:07
In reply to Re: Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname?, posted by Dima on April 1, 2010, at 13:15:37
In the US, very few doctors are allowed to prescribe buprenorphine. They have to have a special X number from the DEA. Docs with regular A and B DEA numbers can't prescribe these drugs. You can google suboxone or buprenorphine and find a DEA list of approved providers in your state.
My experience is that approved prescribers will not take insurance, will specialize in buprenorphine prescriptions as a cash only business and will prescribe only to people with histories of opiate addiction.
Posted by europerep on April 2, 2010, at 6:16:52
In reply to Re: Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname?, posted by emmanuel98 on April 1, 2010, at 20:47:07
that is not correct. basically ANY doctor can do so, albeit not for opiate addiction. a doc needs to have one of these "waivers" if he wants to do opiate maintenance treatment, but for other purposes, such as off-label pain therapy and stuff, a doc only needs the permission to prescribe narcotics in general, which most of them have.
this is the exact confusion the original poster refered to, and even some docs do not know this!
Posted by SLS on April 2, 2010, at 6:29:22
In reply to Re: Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname? » emmanuel98, posted by europerep on April 2, 2010, at 6:16:52
> that is not correct. basically ANY doctor can do so, albeit not for opiate addiction.
That is my understanding as well.
- Scott
Posted by pixel8 on June 13, 2010, at 14:36:04
In reply to Re: Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname?, posted by ed_uk2010 on April 1, 2010, at 13:11:26
>
> Sadly, pseudoname is no longer with us, and so he will not be able to answer your questions.Really? You mean he's no longer on psychobabble or on the earth? Please explain!
Posted by Deneb on June 13, 2010, at 16:03:04
In reply to Re: Obtaining Buprenorphine - Pseudoname?, posted by pixel8 on June 13, 2010, at 14:36:04
Pseudoname took his own life a few years ago. It was sad. Dr. Bob, other Babblers and I even met him.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061129/msgs/710231.html
The above thread explains it.
Any responses about his death should be posted on Grief.
This is the end of the thread.
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