I have seen this question in more than one area. I have seen it here, on the options saves lives forum, on an opioid website, and everyone says "No". So, if you have time tell us how you feel.

I am doing research (and if anyone else finds something please post) trying to find this answer. This is not a new drug. It has been on the market since the 90's and still people complain of depression and the medical profession is claiming it is not possible.

Below I have posted a study that has been done at 3 veterans hospital (254 patients) and it was done with disulfiram and naltrexone for the treatment of alcoholism and depression (for no medications approved for both), but it does not say if the patients receiving just naltrexone makes the patients more depressed.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17414239#

This is a website that is claiming using LDN for depression
http://ldnresearchtrust.org/sites/defau ... isberg.pdf



This is a website that is claiming nal. doesn't cause depression in opioid users

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1325065/




Here are the side effects listed from WEBMD (which lists Depression as Rare side effects but severe)

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7399/ ... ideeffects

I hate to see someone suffer with AUD and then think they have found an answer only to have that answer cause them to feel depressed. I think if we have enough people come forward, maybe we can ask "DR. E" what he thinks and what could be done. I would hope he wouldn't send us to the wolves (back to our doctor), but maybe if enough people come forward he can start/find a new protocol.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial combining sertraline and naltrexone for treating co-occurring depression and alcohol dependence.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20231324



Is There a Genetic Relationship Between Alcoholism and Depression?

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/ ... 33-240.htm


Antidepressants and Alcohol – A Guide to SSRIs in Addiction Treatment (this has an interesting questionnaire to help self-diagnose )

http://www.choosehelp.com/topics/drug-t ... qus_thread

No time right now to check out your links Jaba - but I have to say that while I am not depressed, periodically I do go through down times more so than pre Nal. But then I bounce back - so who knows if it is the Nal? I used to be on AD's but came off them about two years ago - and have to admit that the times when I am down could just be life rather than the Nal. Yesterday was really bad - but after I cried myself out, and had a good nights sleep, I am fine again today - so it probably isn't depression as such! It has been a really tough last week or so which could have contributed - but today is another day .....

Hugs, Maggie xx

Maggie,

I agree with you and I am the same way. But there are so many out there that are having those low periods too often. I am not sure if it is the nal., or is it that someone who may be prone to depression and nal. is causing it. I just find it strange that as much as nal. and LDN is doing that they haven't come across this more often.

I found this interesting

Clinical Case Conference
Occurrence and Management of Depression in the Context of Naltrexone Treatment of Alcoholism

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/ful ... 156.8.1258

I do hope all of these links work.

Thanks for posting these links. For now I am trying to finish rereading the book, but will come back here to check it out later on.

Dee,

Let me know if the link do not work.

Personally I have not had a problem with depression before taking Naltrexone with TSM nor after. I'm sure it's quite a complicated problem to solve. If anything I'm a lot happier now that I'm not at war with myself every day promising my self not to drink only to end up drunk by 8PM.

Ocean,

Do you notice that flat feeling that everyone talks about? Has your anxiety increased at all, esp. when your al. intake decreased? Just curious.

Thanks for your comments

Jaba

The links are good. Unfortunately they don't address the big question I have. HDN vs. LDN. High dose Nal (50mg) has exactly the opposite effect to the body as Low dose Nal (4mg).
High dose Nal blocks receptors from endorphin activity for 24hrs + (possibly days). If one does this for months, even years, LOGICALLY would we not think mood would be altered negatively? The effects to the auto immune system are known also to be detrimental.
Low dose Nal, on the other hand, causes the body to boost endorphins and receptors after temporarily blocking them. Logically one would think mood would be positively changed and it is believed the auto immune system is supercharged. If we only look at Eskapa's bible we see nothing of this. It may be quite possible to actually have our cake and eat it too by using LDN for AL control.
Works for ME.
Steve.
PS I have not had depression or flat feeling from Nal. I went down in dose rather immediately however. I am disturbed to read of too many of my long term Nal-using friends suffering from depression episodes.