No RLs but depressed

[Walmer3463]

For a long time I have been feeling very depressed during the day but not in the evenings when I take my Targin medication (10mg OxyContin and 5mg Naloxone). This level of Targin is effective in controlling my restless legs. Is it possible that my daytime depression is caused by mini daily withdrawals from OxyContin.? Has anyone else experienced this? Should I consider switching opioids to a longer acting one?

[SueJohnson]

It's certainly possible. There is a simple way to find out. Take a second dose in the morning.

[Walmer3463 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue. I took a second dose this morning and another late afternoon. My mood was better. Will trial this for a few days before I see my doctor and hopefully I can switch to longer acting Methodone or Buprenorphine.

[Typicallygaslit]

I’m depressed on Buprenorphine. I think that as we age, many of us become very sensitive to the side effects from opioids. I’m not sure that it’s a mini withdrawal but just a side effect. You could always try Bup if they will let you but unfortunately I suspect it won’t make you less depressed.

[Walmer3463 in reply to Typicallygaslit]

Gee, that’s worrying. I was hoping that I could get over this depression by taking Targin more often or switching to Bup or Meth.

[Joolsg]

Depression is a common side effect of opioids.Targinact is supposed to be prescribed every 12 hours to avoid mini opioid withdrawals, BUT the Oxycontin scandal proved that oxy does NOT even last 12 hours.

So try twice a day.

Alternatively, you could add trazodone, a safe anti depressant for RLS.

[LotteM]

A bit of my own experience in addition to the responses of the others. I was on Oxycontin several years ago and experienced mini-withdrawals in the morning / during the day. Taking an extra dose in tue morning wasn’t enough, I would have needed more repeated doses to get an even level. My mini-withdrawal mainly presented as full-body restlessness and a general feeling of unwell (like a developing flu). But the main reason I didn’t like the oxycontin and finally got switched to buprenorphine was the feeling of not feeling like myself. I didn’t label it as depression, but it had definitely aspects of it.

Buprenorphine resolved that. I still had mini-withdrawal on 0.2mg bup in the evening. I never tried the extra nighttime dose like e.g. Joolsg takes. Eventually I got changed to a 24h/7d patch of 5mcg/h, which works well for me. I generally get by on low doses medicines, most people need more.

[JenniferBut]

This thread has been very interesting.I'm on 5mg Buprenorphine patch 7 day and 5mg methadone with 5 mg of Amitriptyline each day. It's working an absolute treat minus these things: some insomnia - either after being asleep or prior

And I am feeling a bit low and odd mentally. ( More than usual)

Any thoughts?

I see Buprenorphine can cause depression, what about methadone for side effects please?

Thanks

[SueJohnson in reply to JenniferBut]

I may have mentioned this to you but Amitriptyline makes RLS worse for most. A safe antidepressant is zyban.

[Rayme in reply to JenniferBut]

hi Jennifer, I'm on methadone 5mg for almost 8 mths. I'm very very relieved to have RL under control with about 2 breakthrough nights a week, mild brief episodes. I have reduced energy and slightly low mood but mostly I can manage those two side effects with a bit of conscious effort!

[JenniferBut in reply to Rayme]

Fantastic. I have total relief from RLS but now have insomnia 😂

I would prefer this over RLS

Thanks for the reply

Take care

Jen