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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Abby on June 21, 2000, at 21:05:56
I'm writing to ask what people know about Naltrexone. I'm worried about my father who is a relapsed alcoholic; he has also suffered depression. My sister and I have tried to talk to him about this, but he tells us to leave the room, that it is impertinent for his children to speak to him in such and such away. A lot of defensive garbage. I don't know if he's in denial exactly (he didn't drink while I was growing up), but he does hide the botttles in his study--which he views as private. I appreciate the desire even need for privacy, but with him it's more secrecy.
My father's illnesses are many.
1.) Heart disease. Had bypass surgery in mid-80's. Takes a few medications including attenolol
2.) Type II diabetes. Controlled with glyburide
3.) ADD with depression. Wellbutrin and dexedrine.
4.) Hepatitis C--contracted from blood transfusion at heart surgery. Currently untreated. He plans on taking milk thistle, but because it's a dietary supplement, he isn't as regular---no pharmacist making sure he gets his refills.
So, here are my questions. The information I've found on the net is very limited---mostly from recovery2000.com---and doesn't explain much about how it works. All they say is that it targets opioid receptors. So, can naltrexone be taken with an amphetamine?Also, the liver question. How does naltrexone affect the liver, and are the enzymes affected the same as those in hepatitis c. How much tougher is naltrexone on the liver than alcohol? I don't know of any other drug to try. I doubt he would taake antabuse, but I think I could sell him on naltrexone if I pushed it as an antidepressant augmentor.
Thanks,
Abby
Posted by Cindy R. on June 21, 2000, at 23:57:48
In reply to Naltrexone, contraindications and drug interaction, posted by Abby on June 21, 2000, at 21:05:56
> I'm writing to ask what people know about Naltrexone. I'm worried about my father who is a relapsed alcoholic; he has also suffered depression. My sister and I have tried to talk to him about this, but he tells us to leave the room, that it is impertinent for his children to speak to him in such and such away. A lot of defensive garbage. I don't know if he's in denial exactly (he didn't drink while I was growing up), but he does hide the botttles in his study--which he views as private. I appreciate the desire even need for privacy, but with him it's more secrecy.
>
> My father's illnesses are many.
>
> 1.) Heart disease. Had bypass surgery in mid-80's. Takes a few medications including attenolol
>
> 2.) Type II diabetes. Controlled with glyburide
>
> 3.) ADD with depression. Wellbutrin and dexedrine.
>
> 4.) Hepatitis C--contracted from blood transfusion at heart surgery. Currently untreated. He plans on taking milk thistle, but because it's a dietary supplement, he isn't as regular---no pharmacist making sure he gets his refills.
>
>
> So, here are my questions. The information I've found on the net is very limited---mostly from recovery2000.com---and doesn't explain much about how it works. All they say is that it targets opioid receptors. So, can naltrexone be taken with an amphetamine?
>
> Also, the liver question. How does naltrexone affect the liver, and are the enzymes affected the same as those in hepatitis c. How much tougher is naltrexone on the liver than alcohol? I don't know of any other drug to try. I doubt he would taake antabuse, but I think I could sell him on naltrexone if I pushed it as an antidepressant augmentor.
>
> Thanks,
> AbbyHi Abby,
I was taking Naltrexone until March 2000 while on Effexor & Wellbutrin. I had no side effects other than that Naltrexone has been a miracle in my life which has helped me remain sober for almost one year.
Cindy R
Posted by Abby on June 22, 2000, at 23:07:23
In reply to Re: Naltrexone, contraindications and drug interaction, posted by Cindy R. on June 21, 2000, at 23:57:48
Thanks Cindy. I'm hoping that other people know something about naltrexone too. Does anyone know where I can find scientific information. Has anyone taken naltrexone despite a compromised liver? Thanks, Abby
Posted by ChrisK on June 23, 2000, at 6:02:01
In reply to Re: Help with Naltrexone please, posted by Abby on June 22, 2000, at 23:07:23
Abby,
I take Naltrexone with a compromised liver. I almost died a few years ago from acute alcoholic hepatitis. I also take something called "Liver Support Factors" available from vitamins.com. It is a mixture which has Milkthistle as its primary ingredient. As far as I know I am not having extra problems due to the Naltrexone but I also haven't had my liver enzymes checked in over a year.
In Dr Bob's Tips section there are a few threads about using Naltrexone for AD augmentation. You may find some more info at www.rxlist.com or medscape.com.
Overall it has taken away the alcohol cravings and does act to augment my AD's. It's worth a shot if you can talk your father into it.
Chris
Posted by SLS on June 27, 2000, at 7:09:41
In reply to Re: Help with Naltrexone please, posted by ChrisK on June 23, 2000, at 6:02:01
> Abby,
>
> I take Naltrexone with a compromised liver. I almost died a few years ago from acute alcoholic hepatitis. I also take something called "Liver Support Factors" available from vitamins.com. It is a mixture which has Milkthistle as its primary ingredient. As far as I know I am not having extra problems due to the Naltrexone but I also haven't had my liver enzymes checked in over a year.
>
> In Dr Bob's Tips section there are a few threads about using Naltrexone for AD augmentation. You may find some more info at www.rxlist.com or medscape.com.
>
> Overall it has taken away the alcohol cravings and does act to augment my AD's. It's worth a shot if you can talk your father into it.
>
> Chris
Dear Chris,If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you answer a few questions about naltrexone? A doctor recently told me to put it on my list of drugs to try for treating severe bipolar depression that hasn't responded to anything else.
1. What are your diagnoses?
2. How would you describe the features and severity of depression?
3. How would you describe the changes that occurred when you first added naltrexone? How do you feel now?
4. What other drugs were you taking before adding naltrexone, and how were you responding to them at the time?
5. What dosage of naltrexone are you taking?
Thanks.
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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